A MAN who smiled after stabbing his 'precious' girlfriend to death with wine bottles and a knife has today been jailed to life imprisonment.

David Hoyle, aged 39, from Bradford, was found guilty of the murder of mum Rebecca Bamber at her home in Mersey Road, Widnes, after a seven day trial.

He will serve a minimum of 25 years.

Chester Crown Court heard how Hoyle subjected his 'princess' to a savage attack using three wine bottle to fracture her skull.

The heroin addict also attacked Ms Bamber, aged 43, with two knives, causing 13 stab wounds, including one that penetrated her left lung and heart.

Neighbour Simon Pickford went to the victim's aid recalled seeing her in a window of the property covered in blood and mouthing ‘phone the police′. (scroll down to listen to 999 call)

A bloodstained card from Hoyle found in Ms Bamber's bedroom said he wanted to marry her.

It read: "My heart pounds, I get butterflies. I think we could have such a fun, happy, complete life together.

“I do want you forever. I would marry you tomorrow.

“I love the way you walk, talk, dress.

“You deserve to be treated like the princess you are. You’re so precious.”

The attack continued throughout the house, eventually ending in the garden when the defendant was still stabbing his girlfriend.

Mr Pickford, praised by Cheshire Police for bravery in trying to aid Ms Bamber, reported seeing Hoyle drive away from the grisly scene, smiling.

 

 

He admitted taking heroin, methadone, and crack cocaine the night before.

The court heard the couple met on Facebook six weeks before the murder in June this year.

Hoyle had previously been in a relationship with Ms Bamber that ended 16 years ago.

They had met on a number of occasions in both Bradford and Cheshire but the night before Rebecca died is believed to have been the first time that Hoyle had visited her address.

On Saturday, June 7, he arrived at her home at 11.20pm and stayed the night, and the court heard they had been smoking crack cocaine together.

Between 6.40am and 7am the following day Mr Pickford was in the garden of his property when he heard a woman screaming, and the sound of broken glass coming from the house.

After Hoyle escaped, Mr Pickford, his wife and a member of the public tried to help the victim, and comfort her as she lay on the floor.

Police and paramedics arrived swiftly at the scene and Ms Bamber was taken to Whiston Hospital where she died.

Hoyle was arrested following a police chase in which he was seen driving a van still holding a knife.

He deliberately rammed the marked police cars, who were following him nearby, and then went onto the M56 where he was subsequently stopped and arrested.

Following the hearing, Ms Bamber's family released a statement.

In it they said: "Even after the lengthy period of time, we still find it difficult to believe that Rebecca has been taken from us in such a cruel and violent way.

"Not only has a mother been taken, but a sister and daughter too.

"It is difficult for us all to come to terms with what actually happened but, as a family, we hope that the conclusion of this court case will allow us some closure as we try to rebuild our lives and move forward."

Det Insp Helen Spooner, who led the investigation, said: "Hoyle′s attack was brutal, sustained and shocking - the level of violence used was extreme and the injuries sustained by Rebecca were devastating.

"She had clearly tried to desperately fight off her attacker but was overpowered by him.

"We will probably never know the real reason behind Hoyle′s actions that day − only he knows why he subjected Rebecca to such a brutal attack in her own home.

"Hoyle has shown no remorse for what he did five months ago and I can only hope that his time behind bars will allow him to reflect upon what he has done and the consequences of that - both to Rebecca and all those who loved her and knew her.

"This was a particularly difficult case for all involved and I would like to thank every single person who assisted with the investigation.

"In particular I would like to thank Rebecca′s neighbour who came to her aid that day and did all he could to help her − and ensure Hoyle was caught.

"His actions were truly remarkable and I cannot thank him enough.

"I know that what happened that day has affected him deeply and I only hope that the conclusion of this case allows him to move forward with his life."