OWEN Pellow has been jailed for life after he stabbed his ex-partner 39 times.
Pellow, 43, of Berrow Road, Burnham-on-Sea, was convicted of murdering Lisa Marie-Thornton after a five-day trial at Bristol Crown Court.
The court heard how Pellow has a “fascination of knives” and murdered Ms Thornton, 36, of Berrow Road, at his home on November 23 last year.
Pellow denied the charged and claimed Ms Thornton had stabbed herself with a knife.
But a pathologist told the court Ms Thornton’s injuries were not self-inflicted and a post mortem examination revealed she died after she was stabbed 39 times in the chest, neck and back.
After the trial, in which Ms Thornton's injuries were described, a jury took under two hours to find Pellow guilty of murder.
When sentencing Pellow, Judge Peter Blair said: "Lisa was aged 36 when you killed her using a lock knife.
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"You had a collection of over 200 knives, they were something of a fascination for you.
"You and she had known each other for two and half years until you brought her life to an untimely end.
"Your relationship was labelled as volatile and tempestuous, you were aware Lisa had a number of problems with abuse, drugs and drink.
"I have no doubt that there were aspects of her conduct that could be highly frustrating.
"She had made some attempts on her life in the past but I doubt they were anything like what you did to her.
"In the hours before you killed her you consumed six bottles of cider and a bottle of scotch whisky.
"I can't say what led to your murderous attack, however, this much we do know, you took that lock knife and you took that towards the body over 38 times.
"It seems that Lisa was facing away from you when you attacked her, it explains why there were no defensive wounds.
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"You subjected her to 38 wounds most of them stabbed with force with almost all of your attack directed towards her neck and chest.
"She would have suffered throughout it even if it was just for a few short minutes.
"I don't know what to make of the photos and the video you took of her.
"I have no doubt that you blamed her for the loss of your son, you will be sent to prison for life."
Pellow was sentenced to life in prison but will serve a minimum term of 17 years, minus the 186 days he has already served in remand.
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