By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent
A man has been jailed for life for murdering his ex-girlfriend in a "prolonged, extremely violent and determined attack".
Michael Cope admitted murdering Linzi Ashton, 25, who was found dead at her home in Winton, Salford, on June 29 last year.
The 28-year-old, who pleaded guilty to murder at the start of his trial on Monday, will have to serve a minimum of 27 years in prison before being considered for parole. He also admitted three counts of assault.
Members of Miss Ashton's family cheered as the sentence was delivered. One said: "It's still not enough."
Cope smiled and turned towards the public gallery when he heard his fate. Male relatives of Miss Ashton's ran towards him, punching the glass reinforced dock and shouted "rot in hell".
A post-mortem examination concluded Miss Ashton, who worked as a barmaid, died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries during the hour-long attack. She had suffered 108 injuries to her head and body caused by a combination of punches and kicks and a ligature around her neck.
The court heard Miss Ashton had an "acrimonious" relationship with Cope Miss Ashton, who had two daughters, Destiny, seven, and Daisy, two, was discovered dead in her bed by members of her family.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission, the police watchdog, is investigating contact between Miss Ashton and Greater Manchester Police after it emerged she told officers she was afraid Cope would kill her in the months before her murder.
Manchester Crown Court heard Cope had begun an "acrimonious" relationship with Miss Ashton in November 2012. He subjected her to "deliberate, extensive and sustained domestic abuse".
Miss Ashton's family and friends wept as the prosecuting barrister Kate Blackwell QC described a series of attacks, including two occasions in March 2013 when Cope strangled Miss Ashton.
Cope went on the run after the murder and was spotted on CCTV A text message sent by Miss Ashton to Cope on March 25 read: "I'm scared every time you drink … You could have actually killed me ... You strangled me until I passed out."
The court heard that in April the abuse suffered by Miss Ashton was reported to police by a friend. Her ex-boyfriend, Liam Grime, had warned her "you are scared of him Linzi and he's going to kill you".
Ms Blackwell told the court the abuse continued. During an attack in the early hours of May 18 Cope had told Miss Ashton: "I'm going to kill you. I'd gladly do time for you. I like it in prison."
Two days later Miss Ashton was interviewed by police and told officers Cope had raped and attacked her. The rape allegation, which he had denied, will lie on file.
Ms Blackwell told the court the interview was "chilling given the fears she had of being murdered in a revenge attack". Miss Ashton told officers: "I'm scared of him coming to get me. Until he is in prison I'm not going to be OK."
Following the murder Cope went on the run for nearly a month, sparking a large police manhunt.
In a statement read out in court, Miss Ashton's mother Philomena McMahon said: "Our lives are empty and dark without Linzi. She was the brightest light you could ever hope to meet. She brought happiness and joy to people who met her.
"I have never known pain like this. Heartbroken doesn't go anywhere near describing how it feels. I don't think we can ever get over this. It is really difficult knowing she won't be there for her daughters."
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