Life for man who murdered partner

Paul Hubbard will serve a minimum of 17 years

A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to life for the murder of his girlfriend.

Paul Hubbard, from Norwich, Norfolk, must serve a minimum of 17 years after being found guilty at Cambridge Crown Court of strangling Claire Roberts, 28.

The Norwich Magistrates' Court worker's body was found in the flat they shared in John Stephenson Court in May 2008.

After the jury's 11 to one guilty verdict, Det Insp Nick Day from Norfolk Police described Hubbard as a "cruel and calculating individual".

Miss Roberts was last seen alive in the Prince of Denmark pub in Sprowston Road, Norwich on 5 May.

Her body was found by police a week later.

'Wonderful daughter'

Following the verdict, Mr Day said: "Hubbard is a cruel and calculating individual who moved into Claire's life and soon set about abusing her generosity and love.

"When she eventually realised this and looked like ending the relationship Hubbard murdered her.

"We are glad Hubbard will no longer be a threat to anyone else in society but saddened that nothing will repair the loss felt by Claire's family, friends and work colleagues."

Claire Roberts's parents said they would never forgive Hubbard

Miss Roberts's parents, Janet and Dennis, issued a statement in which they described her as "a wonderful daughter, sister and friend".

They said they would "never ever forget or forgive [Hubbard] for breaking up our family in such a cruel and callous manner".

The statement continued: "No doubt his own family have also suffered as a consequence of his actions and we extend our sympathies to them.

"It is our sincere hope that each minute he spends in jail will be full of reflection and remorse for what he has done."