A neighbour has been jailed for manslaughter following the death of a “beautiful, intelligent and very talented” woman in Beeston.
Anthony Green, aged 51, was arrested following the sudden death of Ruth Hufton last year.
Ms Hufton’s body was found after officers forced entry to her flat in County Close, Beeston, on 25 September.
Officers attended the address after the 46-year-old was reported missing by her family.
She was found with a scarf tied tightly around her neck, with a post-mortem report concluding she had died as a result of pressure to the neck.
Detectives charged Green – who lived opposite Ms Hufton’s flat – with murder after piecing together evidence that showed he was present inside her flat prior to her death.
Following his arrest, he expressed surprise that he had been arrested for murder and not manslaughter. The court heard he provided police with a written statement in which he admitted being at Ms Hufton’s flat for sexual activity, but – at that point in the investigation – denied killing her.
Days before a murder trial was due to start, Green, of County Close, Beeston, changed his story and admitted manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court on 10 May. Prosecutors accepted the plea and he was sentenced yesterday (Thursday, 13 June) to 12 years in prison.
Detective Inspector Kaz Smithson, who led the investigation, paid tribute to Ms Hufton’s family for showing enormous dignity throughout the legal process.
She said:
“Following Ruth’s tragic death, Green went no comment before providing a prepared statement denying any knowledge or involvement in her death.
“I am pleased he finally admitted his involvement. This would never have happened without the incredible work, assistance and perseverance of my investigation team.
“This was a painstaking inquiry that involved trawling through many hours of CCTV footage, forensic work and analysis of mobile phone data.
“This truly has been a huge team effort where every single officer and staff member has played an integral part.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ruth and thank each of them for the courage and dignity they have shown in unimaginably difficult circumstances.”
• Family pay tribute to woman killed by her neighbour in Beeston