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A serial domestic abuser attended a “building better relationships” course while his girlfriend lay dying in his home from a savage assault.
Stephen Todd, 41, killed Melissa Eastick in a series of vicious beatings lasting several days, while already on a suspended sentence for attacking her.
As part of the sentence he was ordered to complete the course in a bid to reduce his risk of re-offending.
But it is thought he returned home from the course to continue assaulting his “tiny” victim causing her a devastating brain injury, 123 separate bruises and cuts and multiple broken bones as he stamped on her body and threw punch after punch.
As the 36-year-old mum lay dying in his Sunderland flat Todd also scorched six cigarette burns into her skin.
She was found dead on October 17 last year.
The brute, who has nine previous domestic abuse convictions, pleaded guilty to murder on the basis there had been no intention to kill.
Appearing before Newcastle Crown Court, Mrs Justice Lambert sentenced the killer to life behind bars and told him he must serve at least 21 years and four months before he can apply for parole.
The court was told how Todd spent time on remand in custody before being released on July 10 last year after receiving a suspended 15-month sentence for a previous attack in which he punched Melissa in the face and chest.
Peter Glenser KC, prosecuting, said Todd had been required to attend a “building better relationships” programme as part of the sentence.
Mr Glesner said: “He missed an appointment on October 10, saying he was unwell but he attended an appointment on October 12, at a time when she must have been lying injured in his flat.”
The court heard Todd was noted to be “quiet and not contributing” at the October 12 meeting
A post-mortem examination found that some of Melissa’s fractures had been caused between October 4 and October 10 and some between October 10 and 13.
Jailing the killer, the judge said he had inflicted mental and physical suffering on Melissa before her death and added: “For the last 24 hours of her life, at least, she was profoundly unconscious because of the brain injury but medical evidence as a whole shows your violence was repeated and brutal.
“You accept you battered her repeatedly. She was a petite and fragile woman and would have been in no physical condition to protect herself.
“It must have been a terrifying and immensely painful experience.”
In a harrowing impact statement, submitted by Melissa’s sister Samantha Turnbull on behalf of the whole family, said: “Melissa was very kind. She just wanted love.
“She just got on with life, took the beatings from him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her with a clear face, it always had injuries.”
Ms Turnbull said the family had repeatedly tried to help Melissa but she always returned to Todd
She added: “We can’t stop thinking about her final days, getting beaten up repeatedly, stamped on and rendered unconscious.
“He didn’t care for her at all. She died in pain and alone.”
Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Melissa’s loved ones as they continue to come to terms with their loss.
“While nothing can bring Melissa back, I do hope the sentencing handed down today brings her family some sense of closure knowing that Todd is behind bars for a significant period.”
Det Ch Insp Jenkins added: “Domestic abuse, no matter the form it takes, is completely unacceptable and we are committed to putting perpetrators before the courts.
“If any part of this case sounds familiar, for you or someone you know, we would urge you to seek support at the earliest opportunity.”
For anyone who has concerns over a partner, the partner of a friend or family member, who may have a history of violence, Clare’s Law can be used to check the person’s background.
Officers can check their record to help people make an informed decision about their relationship and escape if necessary.
The service is free and 100% confidential – no one will ever know that the applicant has applied for information.
To find out more visit Clare’s Law
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