Sally Challen will NOT face retrial over the killing of her abusive husband, who she attacked with a hammer in 2010.
Prosecution accept she was suffering from an “adjustment disorder” at the time, and take manslaughter with diminished responsibility.
Sentencing later @LBC
Back in court now after a break for lunch. The defence is now giving evidence, Sally Challen should be sentenced fairly soon
Defence lawyer outlining the behaviour Sally suffered: "She was put down and criticised at all turns."
She had to give him her money, and he paid her back a small allowance.
He stopped her from having friends. Once throwing food around to force her to cancel dinner plans.
Defence: Richard frequently used prostitutes, he would use his financial advantage to stop her from questioning him... and "all of this was against a background of significant sexual abuse" #SallyChallen
Both sides have finished summing up their arguments. The judge is taking a short break and should return at 3.15 for sentencing.
Sally has already served 8 years, 7 months in jail - so if the sentence is shorter she will be free to go. #SallyChallen #CoerciveControl
BREAKING: Sally Challen is free to go.
Judge tells her he's going to give her a "substantial determinate prison sentence which you have already served." @LBC
The Judge says: "if you were not ill you would not have done it" and says no hospital order is required. She can go home with her sons, who look stunned in court at their good news - after they campaigned for years to get her coercive control recognised.
Sally Challen has been sentenced to nine years and four months for manslaughter - so she’s a free woman. Hugs in court! We’re expecting to hear from her and her team soon
A beaming Sally walks free from court, she’s expected to speak at a press conference soon with her sons and lawyer @LBC
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