Man killed vulnerable woman then lived in her Battersea flat for weeks with her decomposing corpse

A man who killed a woman and then lived in her flat for weeks with her body hidden in a bedroom has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Kristian Smith, 42, of no fixed abode, was convicted of killing 52-year-old Antoinette Donegan after police found her body in her flat in Este Road, Battersea in March last year.

Police were called following concerns for Antoinette as she had not been seen for more than a month

Officers gained entry through the bedroom window and found Antoinette’s body after receiving no answer at the front door.

There was a significant amount of blood on the floor by her head and on the furniture in the room.

Clothing had been pushed up against the bedroom door from the hallway to conceal the smell of the decomposing corpse.

Analysis of CCTV and Antoinette’s phone records revealed she had last been seen alive on February 1, 2019.

By tracking the use of her bank card, detectives identified that Smith had used it on five days in February 2019 to withdraw money.

Smith also removed the SIM card from Antoinette’s mobile phone and put it in his handset.

Detectives arrested Smith in Bridge Lane, Battersea, on March 13.

He was found in possession of Antoinette’s bank card, sim card and some of her jewellery.

Traces of blood on his trainers were also matched to Antoinette.

A post-mortem revealed that Antoinette had suffered a number of head injuries caused by a broken mug found in the bedroom.

She had also suffered seven fractured ribs, injuries believed to be indicative of an assault.

Detective Chief Inspector John Massey said: “This is a tragic case in which Antoinette’s generosity in allowing Kristian Smith to stay in her flat has been abused in the worst way possible.

“Antoinette was a vulnerable individual who was battling addiction herself.

“We will never know what instigated Smith’s brutal attack on Antoinette. But, what we do know, is that he then carried on with his life as if nothing had happened.

“He stole her bank card and withdrew money, presumably to buy drugs. Despite knowing she was dead, Smith did not tell anyone and simply blocked up the bedroom door to conceal any smell.

“The injuries on Antoinette’s body were numerous and it was clear that Smith did not kill her in self-defence. I am glad the jury has seen through his lies and he now faces a long period in jail.”

Smith was found guilty yesterday following a trial at the Old Bailey, and had previously pleaded guilty to fraud and preventing a lawful burial.

He will be sentenced at the same court with a date yet to be arranged.

Top, Kristian Smith and, inset Antoinette Donegan