Man who bragged in pub about killing partner jailed

David Liptrot was given a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 20 years

A man overheard in a pub bragging about stabbing his former partner to death in a surprise attack has been jailed for life for her murder, with a minimum 20-year term.

David Liptrop, 56, of Chorley, stabbed Caroline Gore seven times in the bathroom of her home in Wigan after the pair argued following a night out on 29 October.

The next day, he was reported to police after he was heard in a pub saying "when you have problems, you have to get rid".

Liptrop was found guilty of murder by jurors at Manchester Crown Court.

'Horrific case'

Liptrot had been in what police described as an "on and off" relationship with Ms Gore in the two years before her death.

A restraining order had been in place to stop the man contacting her after a history of domestic violence.

The couple had visited several pubs on 29 October, before a row ensued and Liptrot left the establishment where they had been drinking, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Ms Gore returned home at about 23:00 GMT, where the 57-year-old had been waiting before he stabbed her to death in the bathroom.

Her body was found the next day after police were called due to concerns about her welfare.

Liptrot had disposed of the knife and the clothes he was wearing before heading to the Dog and Partridge pub, where he told a number of people he had killed Ms Gore.

He was then arrested and charged with murder in a "very horrific and sad case", GMP senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe said.

"No one should suffer at the hands of their partner," he added, describing the murder as a "violent domestic attack".

In a tribute, Ms Gore's family said their "dearly loved mum, daughter and sister" had been "tragically taken way too soon".

"We as a family are heartbroken and saddened at the loss of Caroline," they added.