Abusive boyfriend murdered woman

Lynn Savery, pictured with Mia at her first birthday party

A 26-year-old man who killed his girlfriend just hours after their daughter's first birthday party has been jailed for life.

Lynn Savery, 19, was found dead in her home in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, last year. She had been strangled.

Ashfaq Khan, of New Cateaton Street, Bury, had pleaded not guilty to murder but was convicted by a jury at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.

The judge said he would serve a minimum of 17 years in prison.

Ms Savery's body was discovered by her mother and stepfather on 2 September 2005. Her one-year-old daughter Mia was found close by but was unharmed.

During his trial, the court heard that Khan had both physically and sexually abused Ms Savery during their three-year relationship.

In a way it was this strength of her belief in others that eventually cost her her life Keith Savery, father

Speaking after the hearing, Det Ch Insp Pete Jackson said: "Lynn's sudden and violent death has left her family, friends and work colleagues devastated. Her daughter Mia will grow up never knowing her mother.

"Unfortunately Lynn became involved in a relationship with a very violent man and despite his violence towards her she continued in the relationship in the hope that things would get better.

"I know that Lynn's family want her death to send out a clear message to all other women who may be suffering domestic violence - do not suffer in silence, seek help and take action."

Ashfaq Khan was described as an abusive partner

In a statement, her father Keith Savery described Lynn as a beautiful person who saw the good points in everyone.

He said: "In a way it was this strength of her belief in others that eventually cost her her life.

"The evil and cruel way in which Lynn has been taken from those that loved her so much, words will never express and we cannot find it in our hearts to forgive."