Lord of the Dance
Life for man who beat partner to death with baseball bat in front of young child
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Life for man who beat partner to death with baseball bat in front of young child

A MAN who beat his partner of eight weeks to death with a baseball bat in front of a young child has been jailed for life.

Shane Murphy, 28, of Little Lane, Louth, Lincolnshire, England, was found guilty of murder on Monday after a frenzied attack on Marie Gibson at her home on June 9 this year.

Sentencing Murphy today, Judge John Pini QC said: "There is a total absence of remorse and not a shred of human decency.”

'I'm going to kill you'

During a 999 call, made from Ms Gibson’s mobile phone moments before her death, Murphy can be overheard saying: “I’m going to kill you.”

The victim, who weighed just seven stone, sustained multiple injuries to her face and body, following at least 16 blows delivered with a baseball bat.

It is then believed he stuck a 20cm shard of glass into Ms Gibson’s neck after she had died.

The 35-year-old’s injuries were so severe that her face was unrecognisable.

The jury at Lincoln Crown Court was told the attack took place in front of a young child.

'Bully'

"In short, you are a shallow, self-centred and aggressive bully who thinks only of himself,” said Judge Pini today.

"There is a total absence of remorse and not a shred of human decency.

"You are utterly incapable of accepting any responsibility for your actions.

"This was a sustained attack of at least 15 separate impacts from a baseball bat. You also used a shard of glass as a weapon.

"I am quite satisfied of your intent to kill her.”

Lied

Detective Chief Inspector Karl Whiffen said Murphy repeatedly lied during interviews and showed no remorse.

“It is difficult for the average person to comprehend how one human being could do this to another,” he said.

“In just one minute and 46 seconds Shane Murphy snatched away the life of Marie Gibson.”

Murphy had admitted the killing but claimed his responsibility was diminished by a mental health condition.

He must serve a minimum of 20 years.