Chris Hemming has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years and 117 days for the brutal murder of his ex-partner Cheryl McKenna in Redditch. The 38-year-old killer made a chilling 999 call immediately after the attack, confessing: "I stabbed her to death in the bed. I simply killed her, is the long and the short of it."
The Attack and Confession
The fatal incident occurred at the couple's shared home in Other Road, Redditch. Hemming, who had been in a relationship with McKenna since 2010, discovered messages on her phone from a new lover after they separated at the start of 2024. Enraged, he stabbed her multiple times. Following the murder, Hemming made an even more disturbing call to one of McKenna's friends using her phone, stating: "I wish the camera worked on this phone so I could show you what I've done."
Hemming initially pleaded not guilty to murder at Worcester Crown Court but changed his plea to guilty halfway through the trial. The case is featured in a recent episode of the BBC documentary series Murder 24/7, which examines the investigation and court proceedings.
Police and Community Reaction
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher of West Mercia Police described Hemming as "an incredibly dangerous and manipulative individual" who showed no remorse for his actions. "His callousness and lack of remorse are deeply troubling," Lougher said. "This was a brutal and senseless act of violence that has devastated a family and left a community in shock."
The sentence was welcomed by McKenna's family, who have requested privacy to grieve. A spokesperson said: "Cheryl was a loving and kind person, taken from us in the most horrific way. No sentence will bring her back, but we hope this provides some measure of justice."
Background and Relationship
Cheryl McKenna, a 36-year-old mother, had been in a relationship with Hemming for over a decade. They shared a home in Redditch until their separation in early 2024. Friends reported that McKenna had been excited about starting a new chapter in her life before her relationship with Hemming turned violent. Police confirmed that there had been no prior reports of domestic abuse, but investigators later uncovered evidence of controlling behaviour.
The murder is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by women leaving abusive relationships. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 84% of domestic homicide victims in England and Wales are female, and many are killed by a current or former partner.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Worcester Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Burbridge KC described the murder as "a savage attack born of jealousy and possessiveness." He imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years and 117 days, meaning Hemming will not be eligible for parole until he has served that time, minus time already spent in custody. The judge noted Hemming's guilty plea and the chilling 999 call as factors in the sentencing.
Hemming's defence barrister argued that the defendant had shown remorse by pleading guilty and had a history of mental health issues. However, the court heard that Hemming had a previous conviction for assault, though not involving McKenna.
Documentary and Public Awareness
The case is included in the BBC series Murder 24/7, which follows West Mercia Police's major crime unit. The episode features interviews with detectives, forensic evidence, and the tense courtroom scenes. It aims to highlight the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of support services for victims.
