JEFFREY CLARKE

Jeffrey Clarke, a man from Perivale, has been sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, whom he burned to death following a lengthy period of domestic abuse.

Clarke, aged 42 and employed as a bus driver, poured white spirit on Amanda Beresford and set her on fire during a moment when he was overwhelmed by jealousy.

His anger was triggered after discovering she had spent time with another man in Ealing.

The incident occurred in July last year, when Amanda was sitting on her bed in their shared residence on Haymill Close.

Clarke intentionally lit her ablaze.

She sustained burns covering 60% of her body and died more than a month later at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Throughout their relationship, Amanda was subjected to continuous domestic violence.

Friends, family members, and neighbors observed her often with fresh bruises and injuries, urging her to seek police help.

However, she was too fearful of Clarke to report the abuse.

In March 2010, Clarke was arrested twice after reports from those around Amanda.

Each time, Amanda chose not to press charges, allowing the abuse to persist.

The killing was triggered earlier that day when Clarke discovered Amanda with another man.

After tracking her down and catching her enjoying herself in his absence, he took her to their home in Perivale and carried out the murder.

Neighbors reported hearing her screams before flames were seen through the upstairs windows.

Paramedics managed to sedate her briefly, and she temporarily regained consciousness in hospital.

Clarke's own hands and clothing were also burned during the attack.

Amanda had been a resident at 224 Haymill Close in Perivale for over 15 years.

She met Clarke in April 2009, and he moved in shortly afterward.

She was a mother to two children from a previous relationship: an 18-year-old daughter with autism and a 12-year-old son.

Her family remains profoundly affected and distressed by the tragic way she lost her life.