Police have written a tribute to a Bicester man who was murdered by his girlfriend this year.

Dale Bond, 45, was stabbed twice by Bailey Heywood, 23, at his home address in Mullein Road on March 13.

Heywood, a nursery worker, was found guilty after a trial at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (September 13).

READ MORE: Woman, 23, GUILTY of murdering her boyfriend, 45, by stabbing him

She will be sentenced at the same court on Monday (September 16).

Writing after the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Will Crowther of the Major Crime Unit, said: “My thoughts firstly go out to the family and friends of Mr Bond, who have lost a much loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

“Dale’s life was taken at the hands of Heywood. The jury completely rejected Heywood’s account that she was acting in self-defence, and there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Mr Bond attacked Heywood.

“The precise motives for the murder remain unclear to this day and Heywood is the only person who could tell us, but she has chosen not to, instead claiming self-defence.  

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“We know that Heywood went to see Mr Bond, who she was in a relationship with, and when he least expected it, she subjected him to a vicious attack stabbing him. One of the blows caused an un-survivable wound to his chest.

“Heywood left Mr Bond for dead and was arrested shortly after we were alerted to the incident. 

 “I would like to pay tribute to the family of Mr Bond, who have been supportive throughout our investigation, and have acted with dignity during the court process. I hope that the conviction of Heywood will help them to move forward.”