I hadn’t heard from AWOL sister for months

CLARE Burns came across as a happy mum, with a great life, loving family and someone who was always beautifully dressed.

But in the weeks after her shock death, her family were left reeling to discover that she had been abused and attacked by a secret partner they’d never met. 

Clare, 51, was murdered by her on-off partner Leonard Lee Stewart, in April this year.

Her appalling injuries, including head and neck trauma, were listed over a 63-page report.

As Stewart, 55, is jailed for life, Clare’s sister, Kate Slattery, has spoken for the first time.

Kate says: “Clare was a real force of nature; she brought energy to any room. She didn’t tell me about Stewart, nobody had any idea he was violent. 

“Probably she was so scared of him and he had control he had over her. 

“She didn’t want us to know she was struggling and she was being abused. I wish so much she could have said, and we could have tried to help.

“Our mum has dementia and doesn’t know Clare is dead. In some ways, it’s a blessing that she can’t understand, because she couldn’t have coped with the horrific way in which her daughter died.

“In Clare’s name, I’d like to appeal for more help and support for vulnerable people in abusive relationships. It’s hard, but if people come forward and ask for help, lives will be saved.”

One of five siblings, Clare grew up in a close-knit and loving family in Manchester, but had a difficult start in life.

Kate says: “Clare was born with one leg slightly shorter than the other. For four years, both her legs were in a plaster cast with a bar connecting them. 

“She had to be wheeled around and had a lot of time off school. She was resilient but vulnerable and because of that and my parents, especially my dad, were understandably very protective.”

The treatment was successful and as the eldest daughter, Clare was maternal to her younger siblings.

Kate says: “Clare was ten years older than me. She’d warm my pyjamas on the radiator and run my bath in the evenings.

“She had a big heart. I have so many happy memories of growing up in a big family with my parents.”

After school, Clare worked as an account manager for Harvey Nichols, House Of Fraser and RBS.

Kate says: “Clare was very glamorous and attractive. She was asked out by a very famous footballer when she was at work. 

“She had the best beauty products and as a young teenager I loved raiding her room, borrowing her make-up and skin care products. She used to give me little perfume samples.

“She worked hard and liked to socialise. She loved music and dancing and liked a drink, especially a glass of good red wine. 

“She was never short of something to say, but that vulnerability remained.”

Clare married her long-term partner, Dave, in a beautiful ceremony in Antigua and they had a daughter. Though the relationship did not work out, Clare remained a devoted mother.

In 2020, the girls’ father, Andy, died aged 71, during the Covid lockdown.

Kate says: “Ever since Clare was small Dad had been very protective of her. His death hit her hard and we couldn’t have a proper funeral because of lockdown rules.

“Clare didn’t want help and, on the surface, she coped well. She had a nice home, and she was a loving mum. She was always beautifully dressed. But deep down, she was struggling.”

In August last year, Kate met up with Clare after her own relationship ended.

Kate says: “I was going through a bad time, and Clare said she would always be there for me, if I needed her and we had a big hug.”

Soon after, a family member spotted Clare with a new man.

We had no idea she was in a violent relationship, and I think this was why she hid it from us

Kate Slattery

Kate says: “I was surprised she hadn’t mentioned a new boyfriend because we were always there for each other.  She changed her number and didn’t send the new one. 

“That wasn’t unusual for Clare; she’d be out of contact sometimes. But this time, her absence went on longer than usual. I felt like she was avoiding us.”

In April this year, the family were contacted by police who said Clare’s body had been found at the home of a man named Leonard Lee Stewart, who was under arrest for her murder. 

It emerged Clare had previously reported Stewart to police for attacking her and GMP later referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 

Kate says: “We were devastated. We had no idea she was in a violent relationship, and I think this was why she hid it from us. 

“She was proud and independent, and she wouldn’t have wanted us to worry. I wish I’d known, I blame myself for somehow not being able to stop it. Yet I know I am not at fault. 

“The relationship was on-off, she was clearly trying to leave him, but she didn’t have the strength. Underneath her smiles and confidence, she was vulnerable.”

Stewart pleaded not guilty to Clare’s murder but in September, he changed his plea. He was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court earlier this month. 

Kate says: “In court we were told Clare’s injuries were listed over 63 pages. I cannot comprehend what kind of monster could do that to a defenceless human being.

“Clare was full of fun, gentle and warm, and she would never hurt anyone.

“When I saw Stewart in court, I was struck by his size. Clare was very thin and slight. She would not have stood a chance.

“I torture myself with her offer of help, the last time I saw her. Little did I know, she needed help more than anyone.

“I hope Clare’s murder can be a turning point for vulnerable people who are trapped in abusive relationships. Clare was sociable and generous, and she attracted the wrong type of people sometimes.

“She needed support to keep herself safe. She had reported domestic abuse to the police, so she was trying to help herself, but in the end, it wasn’t enough.

“Clare was so loved, and we miss her every day. Our mum had dementia and still thinks Clare is alive. The truth would break her completely.

“In Clare’s name, I’m appealing for support for vulnerable people. If we can save one life in her name, I know she’d be proud.”