R vs HANSON and WHITE , KILLERS ( 2006 )

Banker murderer given three life sentences

DAILY MAIL online

03 February 2006

Damien Hanson will serve at least 36 years

Brutal robber Damien Hanson has been given three life sentences at the Old Bailey for the murder of wealthy financier John Monckton, the attempted murder of his wife and robbery.
Judge Mr Justice Calvert-Smith said Hanson should serve a minimum of 36 years for Mr Monckton's murder before being eligible for parole.
Hanson's co-robber Elliot White was sentenced to a total of 18 years for manslaughter, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and robbery.
Hanson, 25, stabbed Mr Monckton to death after tricking his way into the banker's multi-million pound in Chelsea, west London.
He and White, 24, left Mr Monckton dead and his wife fighting for her life following the robbery on November 29, 2004.
Hanson was convicted of Mr Monckton's murder, of attempting to murder his wife Homeyra and robbery in December last year following a trial at the Old Bailey.
White, of Shepherd's Bush, west London, who had pleaded guilty to robbery, was convicted of Mr Monckton's manslaughter and of wounding his wife with intent. He was cleared of murder and attempted murder.

Family's courage commended

After sentencing the pair, Mr Justice Calvert-Smith paid tribute to the courage of Mrs Monckton and the couple's daughter Isobel.
He said: "I commend the courage of Mrs Monckton and their daughter during their ordeal and since, and hope the end of this trial will be of assistance."
Hanson showed not a flicker of reaction as he was sentenced, while White bowed his head before being taken down.
Several members of the jury were in court for the sentencing, but Mrs Monckton was not present.
Defending Hanson, Michael Wolkind QC, had admitted that there was no mitigation for his actions.
"John Monckton lost his life, Homeyra Monckton lost forever the life she used to enjoy, no one can yet measure the level of bereavement her daughters have suffered.
"By the jury's verdict, it was Damien Hanson who has brought tragedy to this family. I cannot begin to explain why a robber should force his way into a house and immediately attack his victims in this way with a knife, without restraint.

No explanation for Hanson's actions

"Even the expertise of the consultant psychiatrist does not provide us with an explanation.
"There are no mitigating factors here which are worthy of consideration."
The judge, Mr Justice Calvert Smith, said the seriousness of Hanson's crimes had come close to warranting a full life term.
Outside court, Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Tully said the sentence would be a deterrent to others considering breaking into homes.
He also commended Mrs Monckton saying: "Mrs Monckton has been very strong from the start from when I had to tell her Mr Monckton was dead."
Hanson's minimum 36 year prison term means he will be aged over 60 by the time he is released. In addition to the life sentence for murder, he received automatic life sentences for attempted murder and robbery, with specified terms of 10 and six years respectively.
White, who wore a suit in court, was sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter, 12 years for wounding with intent, to run concurrently, and three years for robbery to run consecutively. This equated to a total jail term of 18 years.
In sentencing, the judge listed Hanson's extensive previous convictions, which included an offence of attempted murder for which he was sentenced to 12 years, serving just over half.
"During the last 12 months of that sentence you began to plan your next crime," Mr Calvert-Smith said.
"You collected newspaper articles and other information on the rich and successful and on the valuation and sale of diamonds."