Merseyside man jailed for life for partner's murder
A Southport man who murdered his partner - leaving her with 100 separate injuries on her body - has been jailed for life.
A man's been jailed for life for murdering his partner at their home in Southport.
Ann-Marie Cropper, 47, was found dead at the flat in Royal Terrace on Thursday 10 September after suffering significant injuries, including those to the head and chest.
Ian Gordon, 52, originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the first day of his trial but on Monday 14 March he changed his plea to guilty to murder.
Today he's been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years, at Liverpool Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Cheryl Rhodes said: "Ann-Marie had 100 injuries when she died and nobody can begin to imagine what she had to endure at the hands of Ian Gordon. "The fact that Gordon continued to deny being responsible for Ann- Marie's murder meant that her family and friends were required to give evidence then forced to endure part of a trial and listen to details of the violence and abuse she suffered.
"I would like to thank the family for their bravery and courage during the whole ordeal and also the professionalism of the officers involved in the case.
"The sentence Gordon was given is a reflection of the seriousness of this offence and his repeated offending.
"I want to reassure members of the public that Merseyside Police is committed to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms and we have dedicated and specially trained officers who respond to incidents of domestic abuse, investigate incidents and provide support to those in need.
"Domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any time regardless of gender, age and sexuality. It is important for people to recognise when it is happening to them and that confidential support and advice is available to those that need it."
Ann-Marie Cropper's family have also released a tribute, which reads:
"The family of Ann-Marie Cropper would like her to be remembered as a happy, go lucky person.
"She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and auntie who tried to never let life bring her down. We have lost a big part of our family.
"Throughout the trial and hearing what Ian Gordon put her through has been absolutely heart-breaking and will be for some time to come. She meant nothing to him, but meant everything to us.
"She will be forever missed."
For more information about how to report domestic violence or to seek specialist support call the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid.
People can also call Merseyside Police on 101 or if they are in immediate danger call 999.