THE partner of a Forest man killed last August has been sentenced to at least seven years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Joanne Williams, aged 51, admitted to Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) the manslaughter of Marc Hastings at her home in Newent on August 12 last year.

The 51-year-old was sentenced to seven years and three months.

Mr Hastings, 43, of Berry Hill, was stabbed in the chest before Ms Williams called police and was arrested shortly afterwards.

Williams had been granted a non-molestation order against Mr Hastings which was in force at the time of the killing.

The family of Mr Hastings said they empathised with those suffering domestic abuse but taking a life was not justifiable.

They described Mr Hastings as a ’loveable rogue’.

In a statement sent on behalf of Gloucestershire Police, they said: “Marc was a loveable rogue who lived for the moment with a happy-go-lucky nature.

“Despite being subject to maternal abuse before being adopted, he grew up to be a polite and well-mannered man, with  childlike qualities.

"He was very popular, as hundreds attended his funeral, and was a well-respected footballer. Football was his life.

“Marc worshipped his mother and had a brother and sister he adored. There was another side to Marc that has not been touched upon within the legal process.

“We feel to a certain extent Marc has been a victim twice – first when he was killed and the second how he was portrayed during today’s proceedings.

“As a family, we fully understand mental health and domestic abuse and we empathise with those who have suffered from them. However, taking the life of another is not justifiable.

“Men can also be victims of domestic abuse but don’t speak up about it. There are two sides to a relationship. 

“Whatever sentence given will never be enough for taking the life of our much loved son, brother and nephew. There are no winners in this case. Nothing good ever comes from a toxic relationship.”

Detective Superintendent Steve Porter added: “Our thoughts now are with Marc’s family.

“An ongoing domestic homicide review will continue to look at the circumstances of this case in the hope that lessons can be learnt for the future."