AN EAST Anglian woman has been jailed for life after she murdered a man over a £5 drug debt.Kathy Taylor, 33, will serve a minimum of 16 years after she killed 34-year-old Ricky Wyatt from Royal Court in Basildon, Essex on Little Lullaway, Basildon on September 1 last yearMatthew Balton, 34, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for assisting an offender.

AN EAST Anglian woman has been jailed for life after she murdered a man over a £5 drug debt.

Kathy Taylor, 33, will serve a minimum of 16 years after she killed 34-year-old Ricky Wyatt from Royal Court in Basildon, Essex on Little Lullaway, Basildon on September 1 last year

Matthew Balton, 34, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for assisting an offender.

The trial of Taylor, of Gaywood in Basildon and Bolton, of Elderland in Basildon lasted five weeks at Basildon Crown Court.

Senior investigating officer Superintendent Simon Dinsdale said: “This case shows the stark reality of what happens when you mix drugs and knives.

“There can be no excuse for the actions of Kathy Taylor on that fateful day. She is a very dangerous person who showed a complete disregard for the life of Ricky.

“She was assisted by Bolton in trying to evade responsibility.

“I hope today's verdict allows Ricky's family to have some closure and my thought are with them today.”