Every third day, in our #EveryThreeDays campaign, I write about a woman killed by a man. Previously in this campaign, which started on May 2nd 2021, I have remembered 120 women, the last being Violet Price.
Today I remember Susan Davenport.
The BBC reported on 9th November 2015:
A man who admitted killing his ex-wife at their former marital home has been jailed. Susan Davenport, 63, died after being stabbed twice in the chest during the attack at the house in Rectory Lane, Bury, on 14 April of this year.
Ernest Davenport then stabbed himself before being taken to hospital, Greater Manchester Police said. After pleading guilty to manslaughter, the 65-year-old was jailed for six years at Liverpool Crown Court. Senior investigating officer Bob Tonge said: “Ernest Davenport stabbed Susan twice in the chest causing an injury which proved to be fatal. He has been sentenced for this senseless crime which has devastated a family.”
What I find disturbing is the BBC reported Susan’s death in such few words.
The Manchester Evening News were more forthcoming saying:
Ernest Davenport, aged 65, of Rectory Lane, Bury was cleared by a jury of murdering Susan Davenport, but pleaded guilty to her manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court and was sentenced to six years. Police were called to the former marital home at 4.45pm on April 14th this year and discovered the body of 63-year-old Mrs Davenport. Ernest Davenport, who had self-harmed, suffering a stab wound, was taken to hospital and arrested shortly after. Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge said: “Ernest Davenport stabbed Susan twice in the chest causing an injury which proved to be fatal.
He has been sentenced for this senseless crime which has devastated a family. “They have had to deal with the shock and sadness of losing their mother and have then had to endure the trial and sentencing of their father.“The family of Ernest and Susan have understandably asked that their privacy be respected at this time. They now have to pick up the pieces and move on with their lives and would like to do that free of intrusion.” Mrs Davenport had visited the former family home to sign documents relating to the sale of the property.
Prosecuting, Alaric Bassano QC, said she had arranged to text her partner Chris Brenneis, with whom she lived in Chorley, when she had arrived, but Mrs Davenport never made that text. The court was told that, about three hours after her arrival, Ernest Davenport made the 999 call, which was played to the court. He was heard telling a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) operator: “I have had a fight with my wife and I think I’ve killed her. The GMP operator replied: “How have you done this?”, to which Davenport responded: “We, we had a barney and started arguing and it’s come to a, you know.”
Susan Davenport
#EveryThreeDays
