A 17-YEAR-OLD teenager has been sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison today (Sept 14) after murdering his stepmother with an axe and samurai sword in March.
Reuben Braighwaite murdered his stepmother, 54-year-old Fiona Scourfield, at Broadmoor Farm in Laugharne.
Judge Simon Picken at Swansea Crown Court described the murder as a ‘savage attack against a defenceless woman’.
In the court today it was said that Braithwaite came home to Broadmoor Farm on what was a ‘normal’ school day. Later that evening he attacked Ms Scourfield outside of the home after luring her out with an axe, repeatedly striking her over the head.
Continuing the brutal attack he then slit her throat with a samurai which was stored underneath his father’s bed.
He then called police and confessed to the murder, saying he was ‘fed up with life’ and thought killing Ms Scourfield was a ‘way out’.
He was 16 at the time of the attack.
Suzanne Syers, who worked with at the same charity as Ms Scourfield, said following the news of her murder: “Today is an extremely sad day for UK-GSR.
“In the most awful circumstances, last night, Fiona Scourfield, aka Suzi Wales, was killed.
“To say the rescue is devastated would be a massive understatement. Suzi was one of our longest standing members who supported the rescue wholeheartedly.
“Her UK-GSR dog Bruno was her absolute world.
“Suzi worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for animals & her loss is a huge loss not only to us but to animals worldwide.
“She spent many weekends braving all kinds of weathers fundraising & raising awareness in the South Wales area, and could always be relied upon to help any dog in need.
“We are all in shock at the moment, so please bare with us whilst we come to terms with our devastating loss.”
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