Man jailed for killings

Corbett shouted threats as he repeatedly stabbed the victims

A man who stabbed to death his former partner and her mother in front of his three-year-old son has been jailed for life.

Joseph Corbett, 36, of Oatland Close, Sheepscar, Leeds, was given two life terms for the "brutal and savage" murders of Marlene Kirk 55, and her 25-year-old daughter Melonie.

Corbett's son Jomel was present during the attack and, the court was told, would have heard threats of violence towards the women during the incident.

Leeds Crown Court was told how Corbett had broken into his former partner's flat in Wakefield during the early hours of 16 December last year and launched the attack.

I am satisfied, contrary to what your counsel say, that they were premeditated

Judge Mr Justice Henriques

The attack at Park Lodge Lane, Eastmoor, was recorded on an open telephone line which was activated when a domestic violence alarm was pressed in the flat.

Corbett, who had pleaded guilty to the killings was told by the judge, Mr Justice Henriques: "The murders were brutal and savage.

"I am satisfied, contrary to what your counsel say, that they were premeditated."

Mitigating, Rodney Jameson QC said Corbett let his passions master him completely.