Ashley Kemp Found Guilty of Murdering Girlfriend Clair Armstrong
Ashley Kemp, 55, from Robinson Grove, Hibaldstow, has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Clair Armstrong, at her home on November 6, 2022.
Trial Verdict After Shocking 999 Confession
Kemp appeared at Hull Crown Court on February 2 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The plea was rejected, triggering a trial at Grimsby Crown Court that began on April 18. After a five-day trial, the jury delivered a murder verdict.
In a chilling 999 call made just after midnight on November 6, Kemp confessed: “I have killed my girlfriend. We got into a fight, and I ended up strangling her.”
Fatal Strangling and Desperate Escape
Police rushed to Elm Way, Messingham, where Clair was found dead in her bedroom with fatal neck injuries and a head wound. Kemp fled the scene in his car but crashed into a tree between Hemswell and Willoughton. Officers found and arrested him nearby on suspicion of murder.
During police interviews, Kemp admitted headbutting Clair and then strangling her to silence her after an argument. Clair had asked Kemp to leave the home they shared with her family.
Tributes and Justice for Clair
“The unforgiveable actions of Ashley Kemp cost Clair her life and robbed her family of their loving mum, sister and friend,” said Detective Chief Inspector Simon Vickers, lead investigator.
“Clair’s family have shown great strength throughout this devastating time. I’m pleased Kemp will be punished and that he can no longer harm anyone else.”
Clair’s family expressed their gratitude: “We thank Humberside Police for their incredible support during the darkest days of our lives. Losing Clair changed everything. The professionalism and dedication of the officers, particularly DCI Vickers and DC Woodhouse, have been vital in securing justice.”
Ashley Kemp is set to be sentenced on Wednesday 3 May.
