A YOUNG woman has been jailed for 17 years after murdering her 45-year-old boyfriend earlier this year.

Bailey Heywood, 23, of Germander Way, Bicester was found guilty of murdering Dale Bond twice by a 12-strong jury on Friday (September 13) after a two-week trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The nursery worker stabbed the victim twice in the chest at his home address in Mullein Road, Bicester, on March 13 this year after he had allegedly become angry at her receiving messages from her ex-boyfriend, Tom.

READ MORE: Prison officer dies after fatal crash whilst on holiday

She told the jury during the trial that she was scared of him after he had allegedly grabbed a knife and threatened to kill her ex-partner.

However, Thames Valley Police state her ‘motive’ behind stabbing may never be known.

She was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence at the same court on Monday (September 16) with a minimum term of 17 years and 181 days.

Sentencing Heywood, Judge Ian Pringle, who presided over the trial, said: “On the morning on March 13...you set off for Dale's flat on your own. You described drinking some gin on your own just before 8am.

READ MORE: Scales of Justice: The latest cases from Oxford Magistrates' Court

"What precisely took place when you arrived, we only have your version of events.

"You have a drink and had sex together. According to you, Dale became angered and fetched a knife from the kitchen.

"On any view, he was strongly affected by alcohol. You told the jury you were frightened and also fetched a knife from the kitchen.

"You tried to calm him down. When Dale, according to you, went to stand up, you feared you were going to be attacked and stabbed him twice.

"You claim you were acting in self-defence. The jury unanimously rejected your defence.

"Exactly why it was you plunged your knife into Dale Bond's chest not just once but twice we will never know.

"One thing for sure was it was wholly unmerited. One thing we do know is they were fatal blows."

The starting point was raised from 15 years to 21 years due to the aggravating features of the case being that Heywood had been drinking and that Mr Bond died in his home.

READ MORE: Woman found hanging at her home, coroner court heard

In terms of mitigation, Judge Pringle took into account her age, her lack of previous convictions and her mental health problems.

He handed her 17 years and 181 days in total. Heywood made no visible reaction to the news and nodded before being taken back down to the cells.

It is unknown which prison she is being held in for her sentence.