Cambourne man Robert Simpson-Scott found guilty of murder of partner

A binge drinker has been found guilty of the murder of his partner of 15 years in Cambourne.

Robert Simpson-Scott, of Lamb Drove, Cambourne, called the ambulance service at just before 11pm on December 4 last year, telling them his girlfriend Sally Cavender had fallen unconscious.

The 44-year-old became uncooperative while on the phone to the call handler and during the 999 call he was heard to say, “She’s dead, she’s gone, I’ve killed my wife”, jurors at Cambridge Crown Court heard.

Paramedics arrived and Miss Cavender was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in a serious condition.

Police were not told immediately but at 1.30am, while at the hospital on an unrelated matter, an officer was approached by Miss Cavender’s doctor.

The doctor raised concerns about the nature of her injuries, adding that he believed she may have been strangled.

Simpson-Scott was arrested at his house at just after 3am on suspicion of attempted murder. He told officers he was in shock and reiterated an earlier claim to paramedics that he and Miss Cavender were having sex when she suddenly “went limp”.

Simpson-Scott had injuries including a cut to his foot and a bump to his head. He claimed he cut his foot on a broken wine glass and hit his head falling down the stairs.

A neighbour then also told police he had been attacked by Simpson-Scott, who had strangled him until he fell unconscious.

At 5.27pm, Miss Cavender died of her injuries. She had a fractured spine, multiple rib fractures and a hypoxic brain injury, meaning she was unable to breathe by herself. She also had extensive bruising around her eyes, neck and arms.

In police interview, Simpson-Scott answered ‘no comment’ to all questions. He gave officers a prepared statement, which reiterated claims Miss Cavender had suddenly lost consciousness.

He told police Miss Cavender, who lived in Sawston, had been his partner of 15 years and their relationship had never been violent – but both of them had “alcohol problems”.

In relation to his neighbour, Simpson-Scott admitted he had seen him on December 4 and claimed they’d had a ‘play fight’, which resulted in him pinching the man’s neck. He claimed when he left his neighbour’s flat the man was awake and alert.

Simpson-Scott was charged with the murder of Miss Cavender and the attempted murder of his neighbour. He denied the charges but admitted manslaughter in relation to Miss Cavender.

However, he stood trial at Cambridge Crown Court from 10 June and was found guilty of murder today (June 24). Jurors found him not guilty of attempting to murder his neighbour.

He will be sentenced at The Old Bailey in London on Thursday (June 27).

Detective Inspector Emma Pitts, who investigated, said: “Simpson-Scott viciously took away the life of his partner of 15 years, who no doubt trusted him beyond measure.

“Sally’s family will remember her as a much-loved daughter and sister. They describe her as a bright, bubbly girl who loved to travel, go to concerts and was full of laughter and fun.

“They will never see her again and they have been left absolutely devastated. Simpson-Scott tried to deny the horrific attack but today justice has been done.

“I hope this fact helps Sally’s family, in some way, to live with their loss and grief."

Read more

'My sister was being controlled and used by an evil, manipulative man'

Tributes paid to 'bright, bubbly girl' who died after incident in Cambourne

Man arrested on suspicion of murder as woman, 55, dies following Cambourne incident