A MONSTER has pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-partner after she was stabbed to death in the street.
Michele Kennedy, 55, was discovered outside a home in Warrington, Cheshire, on October 13 last year.
The mum tragically could not be saved and was declared dead five days later.
Her ex Gavin Shaw appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he pleaded guilty to murder.
The 61-year-old was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on April 2 at the same court.
Judge Brian Cummings said: “As I am sure you will know, the sentence for murder is fixed by law to be life in prison, but I must set a minimum term.
“The fact that you have pleaded guilty entitles you to a reduction in relation to the minimum term.
“The precise extent of that will be determined on the next occasion as part of the sentencing process.
“In the meantime, you will remain in custody. Any time spent on remand will count to the minimum term.”
The horror unfolded just after 4pm on October 13 when police received multiple reports of an incident at a residential address on Manchester Road.
Michele was discovered with stab wounds outside the home before being airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
Shaw was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but the charge was upgraded following her death.
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
Paying tribute, Michele’s family said she was a “much-loved daughter, mother, sister, auntie and nana”.
They added: “She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her, who would help anyone, was beautiful, strong, fearless and one of a kind.
“The loss of her life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that her friends and colleagues who were involved in her life will feel the same.
“We would like to offer our extended thanks to all the emergency services that attended the scene and any kind person that tried to help.
“We will miss her very much.”
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