Joanne Williams was today (Tuesday, February 23rd) sentenced to seven years and three months in prison after she admitted to the manslaughter of her partner, Marc Hastings, by diminished responsibility.

Williams, aged 51, of Meek Road, Newent stabbed 43-year-old Marc in the chest at her house on Wednesday August 12th 2015. Officers were called to the address at around 10.40pm where his body was found.

Williams called the police after the incident and was arrested shortly afterwards. She was charged with Marc’s murder on Saturday, August 15th 2015 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday, February 23rd 2016 after appearing at Gloucester Crown Court.

Detective Superintendent Steve Porter from Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "This case has been a tragedy for all those involved and has had a significant impact upon many people. Our thoughts now are with Marc’s family."

After the sentencing, Marc’s family issued the following statement:

"Marc was a loveable rogue who lived for the moment with a happy-go-lucky nature. Despite being subject to maternal abuse before being adopted, he grew up to be a polite and well mannered man, with childlike qualities.

"He was very popular, as hundreds attended his funeral, and was a well-respected footballer. Football was his life.

"Marc worshipped his mother and had a brother and sister he adored.

"There was another side to Marc that has not been touched upon within the legal process.

"We feel to a certain extent Marc has been a victim twice - first when he was killed and the second how he was portrayed during today’s proceedings.

"As a family, we fully understand mental health and domestic abuse and we emphathise with those who have suffered from them. However, taking the life of another is not justifiable.

"Men can also be victims of domestic abuse but don’t speak up about it. There are two sides to a relationship.

"Whatever sentence given will never be enough for taking the life of our much loved son, brother and nephew. There are no winners in this case. Nothing good ever comes from a toxic relationship."