Overview
- Pennell, 35, received a life sentence with a minimum term set at 23 years, later recorded as 22 years and 138 days to account for time spent on remand.
- He pleaded guilty to murder and criminal damage to Rebecca Phillips’ car, while prosecutors chose not to pursue a threats-to-kill charge.
- The attack followed forced entry into Phillips’ flat in Blaenavon, where Keen, 47, was fatally stabbed with a large kitchen knife; a post-mortem cited a chest wound involving the right ventricle.
- CCTV from Pennell’s home showed him taking an item with a black handle from a kitchen drawer shortly before the killing, supporting a finding of premeditation.
- Mrs Justice Stacey imposed a restraining order protecting Phillips and paid tribute to Keen’s role in the local MMA community, noting the scale of public mourning.