“We know nothing can bring Nicki back, but we hope Yvonne Caylor’s sentence brings some comfort to her grieving family” – that is the message from the detective inspector who oversaw a murder case after Nicki Collingbourne was killed in her Letchworth flat.

The Comet: Yvonne Caylor has been jailed for murdering her half-sister Nicola Collingbourne in Letchworth.Yvonne Caylor has been jailed for murdering her half-sister Nicola Collingbourne in Letchworth. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Yesterday Caylor – of Grove Road in Hitchin – was sentenced to life in jail after she disguised herself as a man and killed her 26-year-old half-sister at her Ivel Court flat with a chicken-shaped ceramic pot.

The 53-year-old, who Luton Crown Court heard carried out the murder to stop Nicki from giving evidence against her after Caylor was charged with burgling Nicki’s flat and then attempting to pervert the course of justice, will serve a minimum of 20 years before she is eligible for parole.

Det Insp Fraser Wylie, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “The relationship between Caylor and Nicki had been difficult for many years, but their relationship further broke down after Caylor entered Nicki’s flat and took items from inside.

“Angered by the impending court trial, Caylor went to Nicki’s flat on the morning of Monday, May 23, with the intention of killing her.

The Comet: CCTV at Ivel Court in Letchworth which shows Yvonne Caylor in a wig and a fake goatee beard which she wore to try to make herself look like a man before going to see half-sister Nicola Collingbourne, who Caylor killed in her flat. Picture: Herts policeCCTV at Ivel Court in Letchworth which shows Yvonne Caylor in a wig and a fake goatee beard which she wore to try to make herself look like a man before going to see half-sister Nicola Collingbourne, who Caylor killed in her flat. Picture: Herts police (Image: Archant)

“After the fatal blow she then attempted to stage a suicide and tried to clean the crime scene before leaving the flat.

“Nicki was a popular young woman who was much loved by her family and was a great help to her mother, who suffered from a severe respiratory disease. Tragically, shortly after Nicki’s death, her mother passed away and did not get the chance to see Caylor brought to justice.

“We know nothing can ever bring Nicki back, but we hope this sentence brings some comfort to her grieving family.”

Caylor was linked to Nicki’s death by CCTV, phone evidence and DNA profile matches. She was arrested at her home by officers on Wednesday, May 25.

Lisa Kiff, senior crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Caylor is clearly an extremely cold, calculated and callous woman and there is no doubt that, when she attacked Nicki, she intended to kill her or cause her really serious harm.

“Caylor told a number of lies during her seven police interviews about her whereabouts between Sunday, May 22, and Monday, May 23, all of which were disproved. She has been found guilty of murder despite her denials.

“This case represents a tragedy for Nicki’s family and friends who have been devastated by her death. I would like to pay tribute to them for their wholehearted support of the investigation and prosecution and the dignity they displayed while hearing the horrific details surrounding Nicki’s brutal murder. I would also like to thank the witnesses, who gave evidence in very difficult circumstances.

“We have worked closely with the tri-force major crime unit since this investigation was launched and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved.

“We know that nothing will bring Nicki back to her family and friends, but we hope this conviction brings them at least a small sense that justice has been done. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”