Killer who lied over stabbing ex-partner jailed

A killer who stabbed a former partner to death claimed the knife had "accidentally" entered his chest after a heated row over an ex-girlfriend.

Steven Rothwell, 41, was attacked in his home on Cross Street in Macclesfield on 18 August by Aurin Makepeace, who was "irate" after an argument with one of his ex-partners earlier that day, Cheshire Police said.

Makepeace, who was born male, had known Rothwell for about 12 years after meeting him in a men's prison, told police the stabbing was accidental.

The 43-year-old of Tan Y Don in Prestatyn was found guilty of murder after a trial at Chester Crown Court and was earlier sentenced to life in jail with a minimum term of more than 26 years.

The court heard Makepeace and Rothwell ended their relationship in 2023 but had stayed in contact while having relationships with others.

Makepeace travelled to stay with him on 15 August, and three days later an ex-girlfriend of Rothwell's had called to say she had slept with another man.

Police said Rothwell became angry and left the flat to confront the woman, and Makepeace followed, slapping her and shouting abuse in the ensuing row.

The incident was reported to police who spoke to the pair back at his flat.

Hours later, Makepeace stabbed her former partner in the chest, then stayed at the flat overnight before leaving for Prestatyn.

From there, she rang police claiming to be one of Rothwell's ex-girlfriends and told them she had stabbed him in self-defence and he was dead at the address.

His body was then discovered by the force, which after an investigation of phone records tracked down Makepeace and arrested her.

In interviews she said Rothwell had been stabbed "accidentally" as she tried to stop him leaving the flat with a knife to attack the man her ex-partner had an affair with.

Forensic tests show the knife had been cleaned and placed in the kitchen, but Rothwell's blood was found on the knife and Makepeace's DNA was on the handle, the court heard.

Det Insp Simon Mills of Cheshire Police said: "From the outset Makepeace's account of how the knife 'accidentally' entered Steven's chest was not plausible."

The jury "saw straight through her lies" he added.

Rothwell's family said he was "so resilient, mischievous and had the gentlest of hearts and we're going to miss that strength he brought".

"He found a lot of comfort in literature and spent many moments behind a book, either sat in a coffee shop or at the library.

"He will be forever thought about and we're going to miss his witty sense of humour."

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