Scarlet Blake jailed for life at Oxford court for murder

Scarlet Blake, who is a transwoman, killed Mr Martin Carreno, 30, at Parsons Pleasure in the early hours of July 25, 2021.

A trial at Oxford Crown Court heard that she had ‘likely’ hit the Spanish man on the back of the head with a vodka bottle before strangling him and pushing into the River Cherwell.

READ MORE: Cat killer to be sentenced for murder of Jorge Carreno, live updates

At the same court today (February 26), Judge Martin Chamberlain sentenced her to life with a minimum term of 24 years.

The time she has spent in custody will count towards her sentence, making it 23 years and 169 days in total.

Blake, 26, also received six months concurrently for the kidnap and torture of her neighbour's cat.

The trial heard she had dissected and mutilated the black cat in Crotch Crescent, Marston, before putting it in a blender.

Scarlet Blake has been jailed (Image: Newsquest)

It had been live-streamed to her ex-girlfriend, Ashlynn Bell, in America at the time.

During the sentencing, the court heard tributes to Mr Martin Carreno, who was a triplet, from his brothers, Garardo and Juan.

They said: "Jorge Carreno is the victim. For us, he is a son and brother. We share a unique bond. We are triplets, born together, live together, we are best friends.

"With his caring and friendly nature he was always spreading joy. His great sense of humour and joy of life.

"He was known for his incredible affection. He was always ready to help. He was an incredibly good person. His life was full of love.

READ MORE: Former partner of murder victim pays tribute: 'Your voice will never be silenced'

"He studied electrical engineering where his passion was evident. He dreamed of a future where he could make a difference.

"Going through the pain of losing a son and a brother is a challenge no family should face.

"His life was stolen by Scarlet. The last two years have felt like an eternity. It's been sleepless nights and days.

Jorge is pictured on the left with Irene (Image: Irene Hidalgo)"We ask you to understand the full extent of our loss. We hope the justice served today with reflect the loss we've suffered.

"Scarlet Blake has no remorse, making it more difficult for us to process. Knowing she has taken the life of Jorge for her own sexual conviction.

READ MORE: Police dub murder case 'incredibly rare' as woman, 26, found guilty

"It's difficult to know. It was chilling to hear her in this court, her lack of empathy is evident."

A was set up to record the sentencing, following an application from Cameras in Court.

Jorge Martin Carreno (Image: Family handout)

Blake made no reaction to her sentence and watched on stoically with her arms crossed.

Earlier in the sentence, her barrister Richard Sutton KC said she maintains her innocence.