The couple murdered by Jason Prentice were about to get married before he took their lives in a frenzied attack.

The tragic news was delivered by the murdered man's mother as a jury took just half an hour to decide Prentice was guilty of double Murder.

Prentice, 30, of Ronald Park Avenue, Westcliff, showed no emotion after the judge at Chelmsford Crown Court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Speaking after the case, the devastated mother of Steven Keyes said she would never again be able to celebrate her birthday after losing her son to the killer.

Brenda Keyes, of Manchester Drive, Leigh, said: "He died on June 7 - which is my birthday. We didn't find out until the next day though."

After the couple's death Mrs Keyes discovered the pair had been saving up to buy a house together and had planned their wedding.

The bodies of Jane Phipps, 24, and Mr Keyes, 28, were found in her flat in London Road, Westcliff. Mr Keyes had a flat in the same block.

Prentice had known both his victims for some time and often drank with Miss Phipps at Porters pub, where they were both regulars.

Prentice's estranged wife Tilly, the mother of his two children, had had an altercation with Miss Phipps earlier that evening and told him she wanted it "sorted out".

The jury was told this may have been the spark that set him on a course of murder.

Throughout the trial Prentice claimed not to remember what happened on the night.

Mrs Keyes said: "I think knowing what happened on the night would actually do my head in.

"I do know that Steve must have heard a noise through the thin walls and gone in and saw the body of Jane before he died."

Miss Phipps was stabbed 11 times and Mr Keyes suffered nine stabs wounds, some inflicted after his death.

His defence counsel tried to prove Prentice was suffering from a personality disorder that would have diminished his responsibility for their deaths.

If proven this could have reduced the verdict to manslaughter.

Barrister Andrew Mundy said: "The apparent absence of a logical motive is an abnormal act in an abnormal state of mind.

"It was a frenzied attack, not just one infliction but a continual attack."

The court heard that although Prentice was dependent on alcohol he still maintained a normal life. Although separated from his wife, he held down a job as a plasterer.

Since being in prison he has asked to be kept isolated for fear of being violent to other inmates.

Defence witness Dr James McKeith said: "He has smashed up his cell on one or two occasions.

"He had an exchange with another inmate who was critical of his solicitors and Mr Prentice took exception and assaulted him, causing lacerations which needed suturing."

The Honourable Mr Justice Moses told Prentice: "You took the lives of no less than two people and you took them in a particularly brutal way.

"You are a dangerous man."

Murder victims were to marry

Victims Steven Keyes and Jane Phipps were childhood sweethearts preparing for a life together - now they are buried side by side.

The couple had known each other for many years and despite a temporary break they remained so close they had flats next door to each other.

Miss Phipps went to her mother Susan, of Derek Gardens, Prittlewell, three weeks before her death and told her they were getting married.

They are now buried together in Sutton Road Cemetery following a joint funeral.

Mrs Phipps said: "Nothing was ever too much trouble for her. If you asked her she would be there for you."

Miss Phipps worked for six years as a toolmaker at Southend Airport and Mrs Phipps is grateful to all her colleagues there for their continued support after her only daughter's death.

She said: "She had a lot of friends and when they ring me the First thing they say is 'we miss her'.

"She was such a hardworking, good girl and never let people down."

Mrs Phipps added: "I would like to thank the police and the courts for all their hard work, they never gave up.

"I would also like to thank Steve's mum and dad, they have held up very well through all this. Steve gave his life to try to save my daughter.

"To us he is a hero."

(Right) Murderer - Jason Prentice

(Left) First to die - Jane Phipps

(Below right) Second victim - Steven Keyes

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