Residents say their Nottinghamshire village has changed forever after the tragic death of a mum of three. John Jessop was sentenced to life in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday, January 4, with a minimum jail term of 17 years and 8 months after admitting the murder of Clair Ablewhite.
Calculating Jessop cycled 18 miles from Newark to Clair's home in Colston Bassett on Friday, February 25, 2022, where he cut her throat and then cycled home. Residents in the village have been shocked by the murder, and almost a year later they are pleased to see Jessop finally locked up for a hefty stint behind bars.
Retired, Susan Parker, 66, of Colston Bassett, described Jessop's actions as "disgusting." She said: "I’ve had a camera installed since, and my next door neighbour has had her alarms upgraded as well.
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"I know it was just her that was targeted but we just don’t know anymore. I think people are just more wary now."
"I think it’s absolutely disgusting what he did. Everyone was shocked by it."
She added: "We thought it could never happen." Speaking of when the incident happened, Susan said: "I saw all the police cars and thought what’s going off.
"It took me a good while to get over it."
One resident in her eighties who did not wish to be named said: "I’m so glad that he has been sentenced. We were all so shocked when it happened. It was just awful, how could someone do that?"
Lynne Clifford, 61, of Colston Bassett, added: "I don’t think it’s long enough - 17 years and 8 months. It was awful what he did.
"I knew Clair and she was so happy here, she had her horses and her dogs. She was always smiling and she said it was the best move she had ever done and she was so happy. She was lovely."
Lynne described Jessop as "a wicked man" and explained she was disgusted over how he had planned his actions.
A Colston Basset resident who did not wish to be named said: "It’s just so sad really, I didn’t know Clair personally, but the whole thing is just awful. It's just completely changed the village. I’m glad he’s been sentenced."
During the sentencing, DI Crutchley said: "“Throughout this investigation, Jessop has shown no remorse for what he did to Clair.
"He has consistently provided ‘no comment’ in interview and offered up no apology. The attack he inflicted on Clair was brutal and relentless, causing catastrophic injuries which finally led to her death.
"At the same time that Clair’s dad discovers his daughter’s body and tries to provide CPR - Jessop is enjoying his first pint in a pub in Newark with mates. This was a premediated attack.
"As he set off on that 18-mile cycle ride he knew exactly the course he wanted to take."
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