Two women have been convicted of murder at Chelmsford Crown Court after carrying out a fatal attack on a vulnerable 52-year-old woman, stabbing and smothering her before eating cereal in the ransacked property.
Amy Keely, 40, and Charlotte James, 29, were found guilty of the murder of Helen Bloomfield following a detailed trial prosecuting the events of 20 March 2024.
The court was told that the attack occurred at around 1:00 am inside Bloomfield’s flat in Braintree. Prosecutor Julian Evans KC stated that the defendants launched a ferocious attack after searching the property for money or drugs and finding nothing. During the violence, Keely inflicted multiple stab and puncture wounds before James positioned herself on Bloomfield’s chest, pressing a pillow over her face until she ceased breathing.
A post-mortem examination identified 44 distinct injuries across the victim’s body, including defensive cuts and severe stab wounds. Jurors were told that immediately after carrying out the killing, both women rummaged through the flat and served themselves bowls of Cheerios cereal before departing.
Bloomfield’s body remained undiscovered for four weeks. On 19 April 2024, a friend grew concerned for her welfare, used a ladder to reach the flat, and discovered her deceased on a heavily blood-stained mattress. Responding officers found the home in disarray, seizing evidence including bloodied scissors and fragments of a smashed mirror. Forensic analysis connected both women to the scene, locating Keely’s DNA on the bedding and mirror shards, while latent fingerprint matches identified James. Evidence was also presented confirming that the pair had confessed their actions to six separate acquaintances.
Keely gave evidence during the trial, stating she had routinely consumed alcohol and drugs with Bloomfield and claimed to be shocked by her death. James elected not to testify in her defence.
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, any protected complainants, victims of sexual violence, or children connected to criminal proceedings are entitled to automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating identifying information, addresses, schools, or images relating to protected parties is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Following 23 hours and three minutes of jury deliberations, the panel returned 11–1 majority verdicts finding both defendants guilty:
Murder
Trial judge Judge Christopher Morgan remanded Keely and James into prison custody ahead of their formal sentencing hearing on 16 October 2026. The court confirmed that both women will receive mandatory life sentences, with hearings scheduled to determine the minimum tariff each must serve behind bars before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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