A jealous thug who stabbed his ex to death in her home while her three young children were in the house has been jailed for life.
Alex Staines, 30, killed Christie Frewin in a frenzied knife attack, repeatedly stabbing her in the face, neck, head and body - even slashing her wrist and arm where she had a tattoo of his name.
Horrifyingly, Christie was later found laying in her own blood with her children nearby.
Evil Staines refused to accept his relationship with the young mum was over and she wanted to lead her own life with her children.
In January of this year, Staines armed himself with a large kitchen knife before driving to 25-year-old Christie's home in Lady Grove, Welwyn Garden City where he carried out his murderous attack.
Jailing him for life today, Judge Michael Kay QC told Staines: "Christie was very young when you met and over the years you exercised coercive abuse and control over her."
The judge said Christie had ended their relation in 2018, but he noted Staines had told her on one occasion he would kill her and the children.
"You believed she had no right to lead her own life" the judge told Staines, adding that he had been jealous of any new man in her life.
In the attack on the young mum at her home on the morning of January 27 this year, Staines stabbed Christie, who was dressed in her pyjamas and dressing gown, a total of 17 times in what was described in court as a "frenzied and murderous" attack.
Five of the wounds were to her face; he stabbed her six times in her neck and there was a cut to her throat. A wound which required great force had been inflicted to her body.
Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew said it was clear in the hours leading up to the attack, Staines had formed a "serious plan" to harm his ex and her children "because she had been speaking to other men."
Judge Kay then heard how the callous brute then left the house leaving Christie to die in front of her three young children who had been present in the house.
He made at least two phone calls - one being go his father - but in neither call did he tell anyone the children were alone in the house with their mother.
They were discovered when someone who was concerned for the Christie's welfare, rang her mobile phone which was answered one of the children who raised the alarm.
Christie was found lying in her own blood on the floor with her children nearby.
Staines of Upperfidld, Welwyn Garden City pleaded guilty today to murdering Christie and having a bladed article.
The court was told they had begun a relationship in 2013 which was "pictured" by his physical and emotional abuse of her.
They had three children together, but in 2018 she ended the relationship.
Because of his harassment of her, Christie came to the notice of the authorities and was provided with an emergency safe mobile phone to call for assistance if she felt at risk from Staines.
By January of this year Staines was on bail for an assault on Christie.
The day before her death Staines spoke to a male friend of the young mum on the phone telling him he would not have his "baby mother"
Mr Mulgrew said in the hours that followed Staines began making preparations for what he was going to do, leaving some of his property with another girlfriend and asking a friend to look after his dog.
The court heard on the morning of January 27 Staines arrived outside Christie's home at 8.25am and was seen going in, only to leave six minutes later.
He handed himself in to police later that morning at Hatfield police station.
Judge Kay jailed Staines for life and told him he would have to serve a minimum term behind bars of 22 years and 58 days before he could be considered for parole.
He said it wasn't know for sure if the children had witness the killing of their mother, but he said it was likely they would have heard her screams.
Staines was told when he is released he will be on licence for the rest rest of his life.
After Christie's death her family paid tribute to her saying " Christie had so many amazing qualities. She was the sweetest, most kind, loving sister, daughter and mother to her children that we could have ever asked for.
"We always had each other through everything. She loved so hard and no matter what Christie was facing she always put on the bravest face for her three most beautiful children.
"I feel robbed and gutted. She was so strong and I hope she is only ever remembered for the brave and gentle soul she was. She is truly loved and missed.
"I love you for ever and always baby girl. Until we meet again princess."
