Mother killed in front of her baby by bailed rapist

A serial rapist was jailed for a minimum of 30 years today for the sex murder of a young mother in front of her baby days after being freed on bail.

Christopher Braithwaite, 22, was later charged with multiple rapes and sex assaults on three women, including Stacey Westbury, 23, who was stabbed and strangled in her West Kensington flat, the Old Bailey heard.

Braithwaite fled taking two mobile phones and jewellery to fuel his crack cocaine habit leaving her 10-month-old son undiscovered for 24 hours.

Braithwaite, of Shepherd's Bush, admitted murder and a serious sex assault on Miss Westbury last August. Six rape charges, and allegations of attempted strangulation, false imprisonment and another serious sex attack on two other women were left to lie on the file.

Victor Temple QC, prosecuting, said Braithwaite had previously been arrested on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment but, after being interviewedby police and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, was released on bail. Six days later he went to Miss Westbury's flat.

Miss Westbury's father said in an impact statement to the court that he felt "the most awful pain" but also "white hot rage" because of what happened to his daughter. Mr Westbury added: "I feel so guilty I was not there to protect my little girl."