BENJAMIN TOPPING

PRESTON MAN JAILED FOR GIRLFRIEND'S CROWBAR MURDER

A 25-year-old man, Benjamin Topping, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of killing his girlfriend, Rosie Darbyshire, 27, during an assault on Pope Lane in Preston in February.

During the attack, which involved at least 50 blows, Ms Darbyshire suffered catastrophic injuries.

She was found on the pavement early on February 7, described by police as 'beaten beyond recognition.' Her wounds included severe trauma to her head and face from a violent crowbar attack, along with injuries to her arms and hands caused as she attempted to shield herself.

Topping admitted to the murder and was ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars.

The case was deemed a senseless act of violence, with remarks emphasizing the brutality of the attack and the deep sorrow felt by her family.

Police and relatives expressed their heartbreak; her family stated they are 'utterly heartbroken' and thanked the authorities for their dignity and respect during the process.

The police case was also referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct due to previous contacts between Lancashire Police and Ms Darbyshire before her death.