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BBC NEWS
Wednesday, 19 May, 2004, 18:27 GMT 19:27 UK 
[According to Antidepaware, at the inquest it was revealed that Ms. Akers took venlafaxine]
A woman found guilty of murdering her lover on his doorstep has been jailed for life.
Sharon Akers, 33, of Letchworth, used a kitchen knife to stab Nicholas Doolan, 37, in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, in October last year.
Jurors at St Albans Crown Court heard the couple’s relationship was “very volatile”.
In her defence Akers, who admitted manslaughter, claimed she had been abused by Mr Doolan for years.
Derogatory text messages
During the week-long trial jurors heard Mr Doolan was killed after a stormy on-off relationship between the pair that began in 1997.
Nigel Godsmark QC, prosecuting, said: “It seemed the couple couldn’t live with each other and couldn’t live without each other. Both had faults.”
The court heard Akers was possessive and jealous and would get upset if she saw Mr Doolan talking to another woman.
During one of their periods apart, Akers, angry that Mr Doolan had been sending her mother and sister text messages saying she was a drug addict and alcoholic, stabbed him twice with a kitchen knife, severing a major artery.
Suicide attempts
Akers said Mr Doolan had treated her badly for years, gradually eroding her confidence and making her depressed. She said she made at least 10 suicide attempts over the years.
She said she had decided to confront him about his derogatory text messages.
When he answered the door he laughed at her and, fearing she would be attacked, she stabbed him.
Akers said she had not meant to kill him and could only remember stabbing him once.
Judge Findlay Baker, QC told her she would have to serve a minimum of 11 years and 152 days before she could be considered for parole.