A violent ex-partner was sentenced to 40 years in prison for stabbing a mother and her autistic son to death in front of her newborn before fleeing.
Daniel Boulton, 30, went 28 miles from a hostel in Skegness to Louth, Lincolnshire, to murder Bethany Vincent, 26, and her autistic nine-year-old son Darren Henson, according to a court hearing.
Following Ms. Vincent’s allegation, a restraining order was issued against Boulton.
He developed a ‘hate’ for Darren as a result of his medical condition, she claimed.
The court also heard how he waited for his partner and child on May 31, 2021, before stabbing them multiple times.’
Police found him at a farm on the outskirts of Louth after searching for him for 24 hours.
Boulton claimed he was on ‘autopilot’ when the murders occurred, but jurors rejected his claim of lack of control.
Mr. Justice Pepperall, the presiding judge, sentenced him to life in jail, saying there was a chance he might never be released.
‘I’m sure you targeted Darren because of your animosity, and you were driven by his autism,’ the judge told Boulton.
‘I’m certain you’re a violent and dangerous man who poses a constant threat of more violence, probably even homicide.’
‘Shortly after bursting into the house, you killed with brutal efficiency.’
‘You were cool, heartless, and efficient in your actions… You understood exactly what you were doing when you planned to kill.’
Despite two restraining orders, Boulton ‘continued to contact Bethany – by telephone, by text message, via social media messaging, and by unannounced and uninvited visits to her house,’ said prosecutor Katherine Goddard QC.