A woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of another woman during a children’s birthday celebration in Stepney Green, East London, last year.

Hope Rowe, aged 33, fatally stabbed 31-year-old Charlotte Lawlor in front of family and friends, including children, following a dispute at the gathering.

Rowe received a minimum sentence of 23 years and was assisted by her partner, Leigh Holder, to escape the scene and conceal the weapon used in the attack.

Authorities discovered a voicemail on Rowe’s phone where she expressed that it was “good” she had taken Ms. Lawlor’s life.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Rowe leave the venue in a vehicle with her partner shortly after midnight.

Armed officers located Holder in his car in Tower Hamlets about an hour later, where he stated that Rowe had exited the car promptly after the incident and claimed he was unaware of her whereabouts.

Later that same morning, Rowe surrendered at Bethnal Green Police Station and was arrested on suspicion of murder.

In court, she later asserted that her actions stemmed from a fleeting loss of control.

Detective Sergeant Dean Musgrove characterized their conduct as “despicable” and expressed hope that the sentencing would provide the victim’s family with “some closure.”

He remarked, “This sentence serves as a reminder that those who commit murder will be pursued, even if they attempt to deceive investigators.”