Wedding murderer jailed for life

Lee Portwine headbutted his partner and put mud in her mouth

A man who pleaded guilty to murdering his 38-year-old partner at a wedding reception has been jailed for life.

Lee Charles Portwine, 38, of Pound Hill Parade, Crawley, headbutted Una Whitney and put mud in her mouth when they went to have sex in woods, his trial heard.

The jury at Lewes Crown Court was told Portwine had drunk 45 pints in 36 hours before the murder in July 2003.

The court heard he had previously been jailed for violence, carrying a firearm with intent and conspiracy to rob.

'Turbulent and violent'

The body of 38-year-old Ms Whitney was found in the grounds of the Gatwick Worth Hotel, near Crawley, on 27 July.

The court heard the couple, who lived together in Pound Hill Parade, had gone to have sex in Crabbet Park while high on drink and drugs.

The jury heard a fierce argument had broken out and Portwine shoved earth into the care assistant's mouth and headbutted her because he was "embarrassed" about people hearing them arguing.

A post mortem examination showed she had probably choked to death on the mud while unconscious, prosecuting QC Paul Lewis said.

The court heard Portwine gave himself up to police the day after the incident, having left his partners' body in the undergrowth.

Jailing Portwine for life, Mrs Justice Rafferty said there could only be one sentence and told him it was "clear you had a turbulent and violent relationship".

Portwine had denied the murder charge at an earlier hearing, but pleaded guilty on Monday.

The judge said the minimum sentence Portwine should serve would be decided after probation service reports were prepared.