Woman sentenced to life in prison for murder of Maidstone pub owner

A woman who murdered a pub owner to whom she was related has been jailed for life.

Stephanie Langley, 55, from East Farleigh, Kent, was found guilty of murdering Matthew Bryant earlier this month.

The court heard that on September 11, 2023, she stabbed her former brother-in-law with a kitchen knife outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Maidstone.

She was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday and will serve a minimum of 24 years.

Judge Philip St. John Stevens said Langley’s motive was revenge.

He told her: “You picked up the knife with the intention of killing Matthew Bryant.

“You have tried to justify in your own mind the unexplainable. You are a very BroadCast Unitedligent lady but a manipulative person.”

Langley showed no emotion as he was sentenced.

The trial hearing was told Langley went to the bar and told a patron: “Have a drink while he’s still alive.”

The court heard she also told Mr Bryant: “You’re going to die tonight.”

CCTV footage showed the pair arguing outside the pub, and Mr Bryant called the police.

Moments later, Langley knocked the phone out of his hand and stabbed him three times.

He told the 999 operator he had been stabbed.

Jurors had previously heard Langley claim Mr Bryant had raped a woman she knew, a claim Mr Bryant and his family denied.

Mr Bryant’s widow, Caroline, read a victim impact statement to the court.

She said: “I loved Matt and I just wanted him back. I watched him die in front of me.”

“I lost my soul mate, my best friend and the love of my life. I feel so lost and alone without him.”

Bryant’s mother, Valerie Hobson, said: “I can’t remember the last time I didn’t cry myself to sleep or have horrific nightmares about what my son suffered.

“Not only did (Langley) murder my own son, he pierced my heart. I am dead inside.”

Detective Inspector David Higham said: “Langley brutally murdered a much-loved husband and popular landlord.

“She carefully planned the attack and hid the murder weapon in her car before heading to the Hare and Hounds pub that evening.

“I hope that Mr. Bryant’s friends and family can grieve and know that those responsible for his death have received justice.”