LANCASHIRE MAN JAILED FOR LIFE OVER HOUSE FIRE AND MURDER OF EX-PARTNER
A man named Saleem Said has been given a prison sentence following his attack on former partner Leanne Collopy, whom he stabbed and then set her house ablaze, with their two-year-old daughter inside.The incident happened on 30 July on Burnley Road in Rawtenstall, Lancashire.
Ms.
Collopy was found with serious injuries and died in hospital on 3 August due to burns and multiple stab wounds.
At Preston Crown Court, Said, aged 40, admitted to charges of murder and arson intended to endanger life.
He received a life sentence with a minimum of 30 years behind bars.
During the incident, the young child was rescued and taken to hospital with critical burns, resulting in lifelong injuries.
Lancashire Police described Said as a 'cruel and evil man' who had meticulously planned the attack, purchasing items to carry out the murder and arson.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Willis emphasized that Leanne Collopy’s courageous actions helped save her daughter’s life.
The family expressed their grief, stating they would 'never get over' what happened and that Leanne was taken in a 'violent and shocking manner.' The court also handed down a concurrent 10-year sentence for the arson offense.
