Killer jailed for life

23-year-old David Minto was convicted of killing the teenager, from Staining, on Friday following a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 35 years.

Childcare student Sasha was stabbed 58 times to the head, neck and face on January 31.

Her body was then dumped and set alight in an alleyway behind the Grafton House Hotel, in Blackpool, where Minto lived.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Andy Murphy, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Naturally I am pleased with the decision of the jury and clearly feel that they have reached the correct verdict.

“The forensic evidence against David Minto was overwhelming but despite this, he continued to lie through his teeth and deny any involvement in Sasha’s death. I am glad that the jury saw through his pack of lies and found him guilty.

“I believe that Minto is a calculated killer. His actions were premeditated and evil. He lured Sasha to her death by promising her work at the hotel. She placed her trust in him thinking that she could earn a few pounds to help support her through college. Instead, she ended up in the hands of her killer.

“The level of violence used was beyond the pale, so much so that the family couldn’t attend court on some of the days as the detail would have been too much for them. Minto has failed to show any signs of remorse for his actions and he will now have to spend a considerable amount of time behind bars.”

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE SATURDAY’S GAZETTE.

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