'Violent bully' jailed for murder of Kelly Davies in Bolton
A "violent bully" has been jailed for life for stabbing his partner to death in Bolton the day after he left prison.
The body of 31-year-old Kelly Davies was found by a friend at her home in Queen Street, Farnworth, on 4 June.
Joseph Davies, 36, fled to Holland leaving their daughter in the house with her mother's body for two days, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
He was convicted of murder at Manchester Crown Court and told to serve a minimum sentence of 22 years.
The pair had been in a relationship for several years and had three children, but he had been in prison for "long periods" of their time together, police said.
They added there was also a history of domestic abuse between the couple.
'Truly violent actions'
Joseph Davies was released from prison on 1 June and later went to Kelly's house. The following day at about 23:30 BST he was taken to Manchester Airport by taxi, officers said.
He was later arrested in Holland after seriously injuring his leg when he was hit by a tram, police said.
A friend found Kelly on the couch of the front room of her house. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Elizabeth Reed, from CPS North West, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to bring the offender to justice for his truly violent actions.
"Joseph Davies thought that he could evade capture by fleeing to Holland following his brutal attack on Kelly Davies.
"The CPS has worked hard with the police and the Dutch authorities to ensure that Davies was brought back to this country to face the charge of murder."
Andy Tattersall, from Greater Manchester Police, described it as a "tragic case which left three children without a mum".
He said: "Davies is a violent bully who attacked and killed the mother of his children and the woman he professed to love.
"Hopefully this sentence will help Kelly's family and friends grieve for Kelly knowing justice has been done."