Powys woman's suspended jail sentence for strangling husband

Kim Lane, 65, was jailed for 12 months at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, September 5 – but Judge Nicola Saffman suspended the term of imprisonment for a year.

Lane was convicted of assaulting her former husband, Barry Lane, as well as intentionally strangling him, at a trial in Welshpool last month.

The couple are now due to be divorced for a second time, having married in the 1970s, only to get divorced a few years later.

They then rekindled a relationship after meeting on the internet around 15 years ago. But, prosecutor Paulinus Barnes said the marriage started to deteriorate for a second time after they moved to the Newtown area in 2020.

Lane initially denied both offences, at the couple’s Hendidley Way home in Llanllwchaiarn, on July 19, 2023, but was convicted at her trial at Welshpool Magistrates' Court, with the bench commiting her case to the higher court for sentence.

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“From May last year he told her the relationship was over, he told her he wanted to move out," Mr Barnes said. "They had been sleeping in separate rooms.

“On July 19 last year he was working late and got home about 11.30pm; he’d messaged her to make sure she would not lock him out. The previous night he’d been unable to get in as she’d left her key in the lock, and he had to ring the doorbell.”

Mr Lane recorded a 41-minute video on his phone.

“She threw his medication at him and told him to go, but he wanted a shower,” said Mr Barnes.

“She stood in his way and was repeatedly abusive, there were eight to 10 punches to his head and face, and she also put her hands around his neck and applied pressure to his throat.

“She accused him of having an affair. Mr Lane was heard to say in the video ‘Why have you got your hands around my throat?’.”

The defendant was arrested and accepted there had been an argument; she said she’d found emails on his computer.

“She said he was goading her and had wanted her to hit him,” added Mr Barnes. “She appears to have been drinking.”

Rosemary Proctor, defending Lane, said: “She was deeply hurt and believed her husband to have been unfaithful, which is why she lashed out.

“It was wholly out of character. She had lived a life beyond reproach for six decades.

“Her work has involved supporting vulnerable people and references all speak of her integrity, strong moral compass, compassion and empathy.

“Her behaviour was contrary to her character. But she is of previous exceptionally good character. This was truly was a one-off.”

Ms Proctor added: “Her husband occupies the marital home and changed the locks; she is without a home.”

In handing down the suspended sentence, Judge Saffman told Lane: “There will be no requirements as you have reached 65 and this is the only blemish on your character.

“I will allow you to deal with your treatment without intervention by the probation service. You don’t need rehabilitation; this has all been such a shock that I have no doubt you will never be before a court again.”

She granted a 12-month restraining order, and ordered Lane to pay a £156 surcharge.