Tribute to 'loving and trusting' murder victim

The family of a woman murdered by her jealous former partner have paid tribute to her as a "kind, loving and trusting" person.

Kerry Smith was stabbed in broad daylight on High Street in Blackheath on July 31 last year. The 29-year-old mother of Hanover Road, Rowley Regis, later died at Russells Hall Hospital.

Her ex-partner David Palmer was this week found guilty of her murder.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday, Palmer, aged 40, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum term of 23 years.

Now Miss Smith's sister Sue Beckett has paid tribute on behalf of the victim's family, saying she was a devoted mother to her little girl Sammi, who is now two.

"She was kind, loving, funny and trusting," said Mrs?Beckett. "A devoted mum, her life was made complete when she had her daughter Sammi."

She added: "Not long before she died she witnessed an old lady had a serious accident, when she was out on the street. Kerry had dropped everything to run over and help.

"She then held her hand and comforted this lady, until she passed away. This was just what Kerry was like, she would do anything to help. Losing Kerry has destroyed our lives, we have a missing link in our family now, that will never be replaced. One comfort we do have however, is that we know that Kerry will live on in Sammi."

The family also paid tribute to the people who rushed to Miss Smith's aid on the day and stood in court to give evidence. They also thanked the jury and police.

Palmer had admitted manslaughter but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

During the trial, the jury heard that Palmer, of Mincing Lane, Rowley Regis, was motivated by jealousy over their child.