56-year-old Michael Thompson, of Pinewood Road, must spend this minimum term behind bars before being considered for parole and he has been added to the sex offender’s register for life.
It was last week when he was found guilty of the rape and murder of 43-year-old Kimberley, at the end of a six-week trial held at Nottingham Crown Court. He was sentenced there but voluntarily chose not to come to the dock to be addressed by the judge on Tuesday July 14.
The 56-year-old was also sentenced for two charges of committing an act tending and intended to pervert the course of public justice, one for covering up the rape and the other for covering up Kim’s murder.
Kim’s family paid emotional tributes to her in their victim impact statements ahead of HHJ Shant KC sentencing Thompson.
‘I don’t want people to know my mother as only a victim’
Kim’s 18-year-old daughter Athena Thompson, who appeared via video link before the court, said: “Around three-to-four percent of children lose a parent before they reach 18, I am part of that percentage, however, around 0.0004 percent of children lose their mother due to their father murdering them, I am now also part of that percentage.
“I don't want people to know my mother as only a victim. I want everyone to know she was the most loving, kind, thoughtful person to ever exist, and without a doubt the best mother a daughter could ask for.
“My mum was my best friend, she was meant to be constant in every part of my life, and I was supposed to make countless more memories with her.
“I've lost the one person I knew I could always rely on, the one person who filled me with happiness effortlessly, even though my mum was someone who always put effort into everything she did.
“My life was the best because she was in it, and my mum did everything she possibly could just to see me smile. She was my rock, just as I was hers.
“Losing my mother in such a violent and senseless way has completely shattered and destroyed my world. At an age where I should be focusing on my future, I am battling constant grief and a profound feeling of abandonment.
“I thought good people got good things, but this case proves that even the most dedicated, compassionate, warm-hearted people do not get what they deserve.
“My mum deserved more than I can even put into words. She did not deserve to have her life stripped from her, by a viIe, nefarious, toxic person.
“I've had to watch all my friends, and all my teammates spend time with their mum, post about their mum, make memories with their mum, call their mum, listen to people share stories about their mum, whilst I can't even mention mine without bursting into tears.
“All I want is my mum. I want to hug her and tell her how much I love her.”
‘We will never get over the loss and pain caused by this selfish act’
Kim’s elder sister Dionne Bounds stood before the court and said the following: “I want to start by saying how much Kim was loved and how much she meant to all of us – she was the kindest mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend.
“We will never get over the loss and pain caused by this selfish act. Christmases, birthdays, milestones, get-togethers, they will not be the same without our Kim.
“To me, Kim was the best sister and friend, someone I thought would be by my side throughout my entire life. It’s difficult to describe the sheer joy we both got from simply spending time together. Being with our children, our greatest achievements, made us indescribably happy. And to know I’ll never see her again or experience these special moments as a family haunts me every day – I miss her so much.
“I want the whole world to know that Kim really was the bravest, most selfless, precious and wonderful person and she will never, ever be forgotten. Finally, you have the justice you deserve Kim. I love you and will keep your memory alive. May you now be left to rest in peace. Until we meet again.”
‘We have effectively been given a life sentence of grief’
Kim’s elder sister Amanda said: “Kim loved her children more than words can say. One of the most devastating aspects of Kim's death is the impact it has had on her children. Not only have they lost their Mum, they have also lost the stability and security that every child deserves. They are now having to navigate their childhood and future without the love, guidance, support and reassurance of their mother.
“I no longer have the chance to speak with her, visit her, share family events or create memories together. The knowledge that these opportunities have been taken away is deeply upsetting.
“No sentence the court can impose will ever be long enough to reflect the pain, heartbreak and devastation caused to my family. Our family has been left to live with a loss that can never be repaired. We have effectively been given a life sentence of grief.
“Kim, I think of you every minute of every day. I love you with all my heart.”