Boyfriend who murdered partner, 21, by repeatedly slamming her head on floor on first anniversary then told police 'it's just been a bad night' is jailed for life

A boyfriend who murdered his 21-year-old partner by repeatedly slamming her head against the floor on the night of their first anniversary has been jailed for life. 

Kain Tailby, 31, brutally assaulted Christine Everett-Hickson at their flat in Riddings, Derbyshire, after enjoying a night out for their anniversary on February 17 last year.

A jury heard how the pair had been involved in a heated spat before Tailby pinned Christine, known as Chrissie, to the ground, grabbed her neck and repeatedly struck her head against the floor, causing her brain damage.

A neighbour described how he heard several loud bangs before silence. He then texted a friend saying he was seriously concerned for Chrissie, before calling emergency services.

Paramedics rushed Chrissie to hospital where doctors found she had suffered a number of skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury. She passed away five days later.

In police bodycam footage of his arrest, Tailby can be heard telling officers itd just been a bad night and trying to downplay his actions, suggesting that Chrissie had got pushy and shovey before he retaliated. 

Tailby initially admitted manslaughter but denied intentionally killing Chrissie. But a jury found him guilty of murder following a trial at Derby Crown Court. 

He was today handed a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years and 329 days, with Judge Shaun Smith KC saying his explosion of anger and violence had snuffed out the life of a young lady who had just begun to live.

Kain Tailby, 31, has been jailed for life for murdering his 21-year-old partner by repeatedly slamming her head against the floor on the night of their first anniversary

Christine Everett-Hickson who died after being brutallyt assaulted by her partner at their flat in Riddings, Derbyshire, on February 17 last year

Chrissie was described by her family as a joyful, kind-hearted and affectionate daughter and one of four beloved sisters 

In an admirable show of compassion, Ms Everett-Hicksons mother Dawn Hickson told the court she forgave her daughters killer, saying: I wish you well, you will need those well-wishes to comfort your soul. 

Sentencing him today Judge Shaun Smith KC said: In just a few minutes in your flat, your explosion of anger and violence snuffed out the life of Chrissie.

She was just 21 when she died five days later. She was described by her mum in her victim impact statement as "vibrant, funny, innocent, truly beautiful, compassionate, compelling". A young lady who had just begun to live.

Your life and the lives of so many others, have been permanently changed forever by your violence.

Why? Only you will truly know. Whatever the reason, it was no justification for the level of violence you used.

The effect of your actions on those who knew and loved Chrissie has been, and will remain, immeasurable.

Her life and smile were infectious, she was kind and considerate. That Chrissies mum forgives you is beyond admirable. (But) I accept you are not an evil man.

CCTV footage from the night of Chrissies death showed the couple drinking at a pub, while another video shows Tailby appear to shove his partner in the back as they walked home. 

CCTV footage from the night of Chrissies death showed the couple drinking at a pub as they celebrated their first anniversary together

Another video shows Tailby appear to shove his partner in the back as they walked home

Police bodycam footage of Tailbys arrest was also shown to the jury. In it Tailby can be heard telling officers: Its our one-year anniversary and itd just been a bad night. 

He then tries to blame Chrissie for the argument: She got pushy shovey, she started pushing and shoving me around.

I retaliated and obviously Im a bit bigger than what she is and it just escalated from there.

Detective Constable Jonathan Reeves, of Derbyshire Police, said: Its impossible to put into words the utter devastation that Chrissies family have been experiencing since her death - all because of the actions of one man.

Chrissie looked to Tailby to provide her with love and support but instead he so cruelly ended her life in a truly horrific way.

At just 21, Chrissie had so much to look forward to in her life and it is an absolute tragedy that shell never get to achieve her dreams and celebrate further milestones.

Tailby would have known that his behaviour on that night would only have had one outcome but he has never been able to explain why he did what he did.

He will now be serving many years behind bars for this crime - while Chrissies family face a life sentence of grief. 

Kain Tailby is seen on officer body-worn footage during his arrest after killing Chrissie

In the footage Tailby is heard trying to blame Chrissie for the argument, saying she got pushy and shovey before he retaliated

Id like to thank them for all of their support throughout this investigation and commend their incredible bravery during these court proceedings.

My thoughts and those of the wider team who have been involved in this investigation will continue to be with them for many years to come.

Chrissies family paid tribute to the beloved sister and daughter in a statement shortly after her death. 

It read: Christine was a joyful, kind-hearted and affectionate daughter. She was one of four beloved sisters, who describe her as having one of lifes purest hearts. 

Her charming nature always sought out the best in everyone and everything. Her bubbly though occasionally shy personality highlighted her passion for animals, creativity, music and art.

She had the most infectious smile and a laugh that could brighten up even the darkest of days. Losing her will forever leave a void in our family that will never be filled as she really was one of lifes true blessings and she will be missed beyond words.