Murder victim 'told come back tomorrow when she tried to report domestic abuse'
The twin of one of the victims who was murdered by a thug in a merciless, depraved attack has demanded domestic abuse victims "should be heard".
Marcus Osborne, 34, murdered Katie Higton and her new partner Steven Harnett in an act of "sexual jealousy". A court heard Katie, 27, ended her relationship with Osborne weeks earlier as he was controlling and abusive, with terrified Katie trying to report him to the police only days before the murder.
West Yorkshire Constabulary said the case around Katie's report of abuse is being reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct as it is alleged officers initially told her to return to give a statement at a subsequent date. She was then killed in her home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Speaking after Osborne was sentenced to life in jail today, Steven's twin brother said: "Katie went to the police originally with the intent of making domestic violence allegations against Marcus. She was told to come back tomorrow to give a statement. A woman plucking up the courage to speak out about her abuser should be heard there and then."
The defendant, from Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to the two murders, and also admitted the false imprisonment and rape of another woman who was in the house at the time. The third victim cannot be named for legal reasons.
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Tributes have been paid to Katie Higton, of Huddersfield, today (PA Media)
Osbourne murdered his ex's new partner, Steven Harnett (pictured) (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)In a statement, Katie’s family said: “Katie was a shining, beautiful and deeply caring soul whose presence lit up any room from the moment she entered it. She was a much-loved mother, daughter, niece, granddaughter and sister and her loss has left a huge, gaping hole in the lives of her family and friends. We all continue to suffer from having her so brutally taken from us. Their anguish has been almost impossible to bear.
“They have lost a mum who was absolutely dedicated to them. As a family we will all miss her laughter, her fun and jokes and we will never again have the joy of loving messages from her at special times or of spending precious moments with her.
"There is much we could say about the monster who took Katie from us. A man, if he can be called that, whose name does not deserve to even be mentioned within the same breath as hers. His sentencing today will not change the life sentence of loss he has inflicted upon us all. We want to thank all those who have supported us through such a horrific time.
"No family should have to endure what we have suffered, but the kind words have helped as we strive to remember the woman who was our world, and who touched the worlds of so many around her.
"We also wish to thank the investigation team at West Yorkshire Police who have supported our family through this unimaginable time and now ask that our privacy is respected."
The tragedies rocked the community in May last year (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)Leeds Crown Court was told Osborne intruded into Katie's home - which he had been watching for days - and waited for his ex and Mr Harnett, 25, to return from the cinema on Monday May 15, 2023. He then launched his sadistic stabbings.
Detective Superintendent Alan Weekes, of West Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation into Osborne’s offending, said: “It is hard to understand the behaviour of anyone who acted as Osborne did in bringing horror to a family home. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by his dreadful crimes.
“The absolutely brutal offences committed by Marcus Osborne during the morning of May 15 are some of the worst myself and other experienced homicide detectives have investigated in our careers.
“Osborne’s attacks on his victims were savage but also chillingly calculated in their execution. His behaviour can only be described as truly monstrous. The lengthy sentence handed down to Osborne today is justice served and will protect the public from this dangerous individual.”
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in a webform and request a safe time to be contacted or to access live chat (live chat available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday). For support with tech abuse visit refugetechsafety.org
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