DEVON MAN JAILED FOR LIFE IN BRUTAL GIRLFRIEND MURDER
A 66-year-old man named John O'Rourke, from Milton Abbot, has received a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Amanda Sorrell.Her body, age 55, was located at her cottage in Pempwell, near Stoke Climsland, in September 2010.
At Truro Crown Court, a jury found O'Rourke guilty of the crime.
Judge Graham Cottle noted that O'Rourke had committed the murder in a particularly brutal fashion and designated a minimum prison term of 14 years.
The court also revealed that O'Rourke attempted self-harm in the aftermath of the attack.
The specific cause of the murder remains unclear.
Witness testimonies indicated that the couple had appeared close, and witnesses could not explain why O'Rourke suddenly 'flipped.' Court documents detailed how O'Rourke used two glass ornaments to beat Ms Sorrell, leading to 27 injuries that made her unrecognizable.
Following the assault, O'Rourke was transported to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth by air ambulance before being arrested.
During the trial, he stated he could not recall the details of the assault.
Outside the courtroom, Ms Sorrell's son, William Salatas, expressed relief over the guilty verdict, saying it was shocking and perplexing that such a tragedy happened to a woman of her kindness.
A representative from Cornwall Council described Ms Sorrell as highly dedicated, hardworking, and talented, noting her calm nature and the respect she garnered among colleagues and clients.
