A SENIOR detective described mum-of-four Carol Kemp as a ‘sad individual’ who carried out a ‘callous act’.

Detective Inspector Neil Devoto of Dorset Police said: “We are delighted with the verdict and the sentence.

“Martin Rusling was well-loved by his family and was a popular resident of Weymouth and Portland in a six month relationship with Carol Kemp from Torquay.”

He said evidence from the night Mr Rusling died suggested Kemp’s version of events wasn’t credible.

“She took his life by stabbing him with a fatal stab wound to his heart.

“This was an unnecessary and callous act against a defenceless man.

“She put up this argument that she was trying to self-harm when a knife went through two chambers of his heart.

“There were scratches on his face. Her story wasn’t credible.

“Carol Kemp comes across as being a very sad individual who responded quite violently.”

Det Insp Devoto said Dorset Police sympathised with Mr Rusling’s family.

“Our sympathy goes out to the family. Martin Rusling belonged to a very loving family who are coming to terms with their loss.

“I would like to thank the team, in particular Detective Sergeant Dave Richards for a thorough and professional investigation.”