A 21-year-old man was convicted today of killing a mother-of-two in her Farnborough home.
After a trial at Winchester Crown Court, Adam Watson, 37, of Dukes Court, Queensmead, Farnborough, was found guilty of murder.
The court was informed that on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 4:12 p.m., authorities were summoned in response to allegations of an unexpected death at a residence located on Church Road West in Farnborough.
Samantha Holden, a Farnborough resident, 56, was found dead. Her next of kin were notified at the time and are still receiving assistance from officials with specialised training.
At Winchester Crown Court, jurors were informed that Watson had murdered Samantha inside her house. Watson’s DNA was discovered on her fingernails and neck after she had been strangled and suffocated, the court was told.
After starting an inquiry, police in Belgium detained Watson after two days. He was successfully extradited back to the UK by detectives so that he might be tried in England. In February of this year, he was formally charged with her murder.
On Monday, September 2, Watson was found guilty despite his denial of one murder charge. At Winchester Crown Court today, September 12, he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years.
Following Samantha’s sentencing, her family released the following statement: “My family and I are relieved that our beautiful mother has now received justice.”
“We love her and miss her very much and now we can move forward with her in our hearts.
“We are very grateful for everyone in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, particularly: DI Howard Broadribb, DS Andy Panter, DC Caz Reason and DC Kate Chapman as well as all the prosecution team who put so much time and care into ensuring our mum got justice.”
Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb added: “Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the friends and family of Samantha Holden.
“Not only have her family had to endure what happened that day, but they have had to relive their experience in court.
“This was a senseless and horrific incident which resulted in a much-loved mum losing her life.
“I would like to praise Samantha’s family and children for their bravery, courage and assistance when they were dealing with unimaginable pain and grief having just lost their mum.
“I hope that today’s sentence helps them to rebuild their lives and that they are able to feel a small sense of comfort that justice has been delivered.
“They now know that Adam Watson will spend a long time in prison for what he has done. He is a callous killer and his actions that day were deplorable.
“I would also like to thank the team of investigators who never gave up and worked tirelessly to extradite Watson back to the UK so he could face prosecution in this country.
“Tackling serious violence is a key priority for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and I hope that today’s sentence gives victims confidence to come forward and talk to us.”
