Anthony Porter jailed for life for murdering partner in house fire

Andraya Lyons was described as "a generous, fun-loving, bubbly, caring person who saw the good in everyone"

A man who "savagely beat" a mother of two before setting fire to her house has been jailed for 17-and-a-half years.

The body of Andraya Lyons, 39, was found at her home in Drew Street, Swindon, early on 10 December.

Bristol Crown Court was told neighbours reported hearing arguments before smoke was detected and the emergency services were called.

Her partner, Anthony Porter, 32, also from Swindon, admitted murder.

The court heard the couple had a violent relationship and had argued and separated at a Christmas party the night before.

Ms Lyons' body was discovered in the living room of her house, with injuries to her head.

Blood was also found on the walls in the kitchen.

The court was told Ms Lyons would have been breathing when the fire was started.

Anthony Porter described his actions as "five minutes of madness"

Porter admitted to police he had beaten his partner with an iron and punched and stamped on her.

He said he had taken cocaine, and described his actions as "five minutes of madness".

Ms Lyons' family paid tribute to a "generous, fun-loving, bubbly, caring person who saw the good in everyone".

"We miss her so much and all our lives have been completely devastated by the act of one evil, vicious, selfish, manipulative and cowardly individual."

Speaking outside court, Det Ch Insp Jeremy Carter said this had been a "vicious attack" on a mother in her own home.

"Andraya was savagely beaten by Anthony Porter who then set fire to the house.

"Porter is an extremely violent individual who has shown no remorse for his actions and as a result Andraya's children and family have been left without a mother, daughter, sister and aunty," Mr Carter added.