Paramedic killed ex-girlfriend

Jane Clough (26) was stabbed in a “horrific” killing by her former partner, who had been facing trial for allegedly raping her.

Jonathan Vass admitted her murder yesterday, around the time he had been originally due to face his rape trial.

The courtroom at Preston Crown Court was packed with relatives and friends of the deceased mother-of-one, from Barrowford, wearing “Justice for Jane” badges. Her mother Penny never took her eyes off Vass during hearing.

Vass sat head in hands for most of the 10-minute hearing and wept after entering his plea to murdering Jane on July 25th.

The prosecution submit that her murder was intended to obstruct justice. The defendant had been granted bail earlier this year regarding the rape allegations.

The prosecution intend to have the rape charges lie on the file after Vass is sentenced next Thursday.

Mr Dennis Watson QC (prosecuting) said the Crown had been concerned as to whether or not the public interest required them to proceed with the serious offences of rape, notwithstanding a willingness of Vass to plead to murder.

“Not least because if the Crown did not proceed, it may seem the defendant would get away with the offences of rape,” said Mr Watson.

“We did reflect that this was a murder committed with a knife and also this was a murder which the prosecution submit was intended to obstruct the course of justice, he being on bail for the offences of rape and but two months or so prior to the trial date for these offences or rape.

“We were also particularly concerned to know what mitigation would be advanced in the course of the plea to murder, lest it be the sort of mitigation which touched upon these matters, that the motivation was because he was falsely accused of rape and because of the injustice of the situation.

“We have it on the understanding no such mitigation will be advanced.

“We have also taken into account the view of Jane Clough’s parents. In the course of a lengthy discussion this morning, and with her brother, we have endeavoured to explain the situation to them and like to think they now understand the decision, although it would be completely wrong to suggest they in any way agree with it. They don’t.

“On the contrary, Mrs Clough feels that if the Crown don’t proceed with the allegations, her daughter’s integrity has been completely undermined.”

Judge Anthony Russell QC said he was “quite satisfied” the decision not to proceed with the rape charges was in the overall interests of the case.

“In comparison with the murder, anything else pales into insignificance”, said the judge.

Victim personal statements will now be obtained from Jane’s relatives, before the sentencing.

Defence barrister Mr Anthony Cross QC told the court: “We confirm publically that there will be no mitigation, other than that which is quite obvious, which will deal with credit for a plea.”

Judge Russell told Vass, as he was further remanded in custody: “There is only one sentence the court can impose for a crime so horriffic as this, that is one of life imprisonment.”

He would have to determine the minimum term to be served before Vass can apply for release.