A "jealous and obsessive" killer was in jail today for murdering his former partner.

Stephen Corness could not accept his relationship with Denise Tidd was over and told a friend: "If I can't have her, no-one else will."

Later on, he strangled her in a bedroom of her Colchester home.

Mrs Tidd, 50, died a week later in hospital.

Corness was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge he must serve at least 14 years in prison before he is considered for parole.

Anthony Abel, prosecuting, said Corness, 50, and Mrs Tidd were in a relationship for nine years before she decided to end it last year.

Corness was very possessive and, on one occasion, locked her in the house they had shared in Kendall Road, Colchester, Mr Abel said.

Mrs Tidd tried to get Corness out of her home but he refused, before eventually leaving in October.

But Mr Abel said he just could not accept it was finished and kept trying to rekindle the relationship.

In December, they met up and the court was told neighbours in Kendall Road heard raised voices at about midnight.

Corness admitted murder.

John Donnelly, mitigating, said Corness found it difficult to come to terms with the fact the relationship was over.

They had both been drinking on the day of the murder and Mr Donnelly said alcohol was "a thread running through his life".

When he was charged, Mr Donnelly said Corness was tearful and full of remorse.