Strangler had history of violence

At least the Shaddick family can visit their son, who is still breathing. All we can do is visit a graveyard to pay our respects Jenna Watkins' family

A man with a history of violence against women has been convicted of murder after strangling his partner.

Jason Shaddick, 28, from Neath, will serve at least 13 years after being convicted of killing Jenna Watkins, 21, on a mountain road after a blazing row.

Swansea Crown Court was told he placed young women in a stranglehold three times before, including Ms Watkins.

Welcoming the verdict, her family said they were glad he was "no longer free to harm any other young women".

Sentencing him to life, Mr Justice Pitchford said he would not be released until the authorities were satisfied he was no longer a danger to the public.

The jury returned a majority verdict of 11 to one after more than five hours of deliberation.

Shaddick strangled Ms Watkins, with whom he shared a flat, on the Bwlch mountain road between Baglan and Neath early on 7 April. He left her lying face down as he walked away.

Jason Shaddick left the scene after strangling Jenna Watkins

The judge said he accepted there must have been a "blazing row" between the couple and that something triggered the violence.

But he said he refused to overlook injuries to her face and although her death had not been planned, Shaddick must have intended to cause her serious harm.

His two brothers found her body and at first thought she must have died in a road accident because the car was damaged.

At the time of her death, Shaddick was under a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a police officer.

After the verdict, Ms Watkins' family issued a statement describing her as "a happy, beautiful, fun loving, caring daughter".

"No Christmas or birthday will ever be the same again. She is our last thought at night and our first thought in the morning.

The couple argued on a lonely mountain road, the court heard

"We cry ourselves to sleep each night and only have photographs of her to look at. She will be forever in our hearts."

They said they hoped Shaddick - who they called "a Jekyll and Hyde character" - would remain behind bars for the rest of his life.

"We are glad he is not free to kill or harm any other young beautiful women," they said.

"At least the Shaddick family can visit their son, who is still breathing. All we can do is visit a graveyard to pay our respects."

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Stuart McKenzie said: "This tragic incident brought shock and sadness to the community and we are glad that today's verdict will help the family move forward as they continue to grieve for Jenna."