Sammy-Lee Lodwig murder: Jason Farrell sentenced to life - BBC News
The killer wrote a "chilling" confession about how he killed Sammy-Lee Lodwig, a court hears.
Jason Farrell went on the run after repeatedly stabbing Sammy-Lee Lodwig

A man has been jailed for life after stabbing his girlfriend to death at his home in a "savage attack".

Sammy-Lee Lodwig, 22, was found with cuts to her throat and wounds to her chest at Jason Farrell's flat on Carlton Terrace in Swansea on 23 April.

Farrell, 49, was found guilty of murder at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday and will serve a minimum of 26 years.

Mr Justice Lewis told Farrell he had no doubt he "intended" to kill Ms Lodwig.

He went on the run after repeatedly stabbing Ms Lodwig and leaving her to bleed to death on his bed.

The pair had been taking heroin and crack cocaine that night and Farrell claimed he did not remember attacking his girlfriend with a kitchen knife.

Sammy-Lee Lodwig was killed in a "savage attack", the court heard

After being arrested, Farrell wrote a "chilling" five-page confession, detailing how he stabbed Ms Lodwig in the face and throat.

"You gagged her. This was a savage attack," Mr Justice Lewis told the court.

"She must have been aware of and suffered from her injuries before she died."

"You had tired of the relationship, you wanted to get rid of Sammy-Lee Lodwig and you did, by killing her."

Ms Lodwig was found by paramedics lying on a bed at Farrell's flat on 23 April after he had alerted neighbours.

She was fully clothed, with cuts across her throat and forehead, and "severe bleeding" was found on the bedding. It was estimated she died 20 or 30 minutes before emergency services arrived.

Michael Jones, prosecuting, said knotted and bloodstained dressing gown belts with traces of Ms Lodwig's saliva were found nearby, suggesting they may have been in or around her mouth.

There were wounds on her chest deep enough to enter both lungs.

Jason Farrell must serve at least 26 years in prison for murdering Sammy-Lee Lodwig

Det Ch Insp Darren George described the attack as "sustained, brutal and violent".

"She was tied up by Farrell and was told by him that he was going to kill her, which he sadly did by stabbing her multiple times," he said.

In a statement read outside court by a police officer, Ms Lodwig's family said: "Sammy-Lee's life was cut way too short and she will be sorely missed by all her family and friends."

Farrell, who had also dated his victim's mother Sarah, was also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Christopher Maher, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison to be served concurrently.

The jury was told he had suspected Mr Maher of being Sarah Lodwig's new lover, before attacking him in the street.