The sentencing date of a woman who killed a man in a racist attack in Bristol has been delayed. Christina Howell, aged 37 and of Easton, was set to be sentenced tomorrow (Friday, February 7) for the murder of Hubert “Isaac” Brown in 2023.
The date has been delayed to enable more time for sentencing reports to be completed. The reports will help the judge sentence Howell in accordance with the relevant guidelines.
Howell, who remains in a secure hospital, will now be sentenced on Friday, April 25. Her plea of guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in January.
Mr Brown, aged 61 and of Easton, was fatally stabbed by Howell in Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s, on Friday, September 23, 2023. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 3.20pm but he sadly died.
Police and the CPS have since treated his death as a race-hate crime. Isaac’s family are continuing to be supported by the charity SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) and specially trained family liaison officers. They have been informed of the delay to the sentencing hearing.
SARI Chief Executive Alex Raikes said: “Isaac’s family – and many others in the wider community – are understandably distressed by these delays. As well as grieving their loss, the family have shown immense dignity and courage, as they continued to advocate for Isaac, with the support of SARI.
“The CPS’ acceptance of a plea of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility was made independent of the family. While the family appreciate a number of people have contacted them to offer support in recent weeks, they would kindly ask people give them some time and space given all they continue to go through.”
Vicky Gleave, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “This was deeply distressing crime and our thoughts remain with Mr Brown’s family as they come to terms with the loss they have suffered. There can be no doubt that Mr Brown was killed unlawfully by Christina Howell in what we argue was a race-hate crime.
“We accepted the plea to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility after we reviewed overwhelming medical evidence from two independent experts, which showed Christina Howell was suffering from a medical condition that substantially impaired her judgement.
“The legal bar to accepting such a plea is very high – we have to be sure that if a jury was presented with all the evidence they would reach the same conclusion – and we are certain this high bar was met in this tragic case.
“We recognise the profound impact that this violent, racist crime has had on the whole community, and we have met with Mr Brown’s family and community members to explain our decision-making. Our thoughts remain with all those who loved and cared for Mr Brown as they mourn their loss.”
Detective Inspector Nadine Partridge, who led the team investigating Mr Brown’s death, said: “Isaac’s family have shown remarkable strength and courage, speaking up for him throughout, even as they suffer the ongoing traumatic impact of an abhorrent and unprovoked violent racist crime, which robbed them of a truly beloved man.”
The Law Commission, a statutory independent body responsible for reviewing laws and making recommendations to Parliament, announced a review into the law on homicide and the sentencing framework for murder in December 2024.