Factory worker handed life sentence for murdering ex-wife as children slept in next room

A factory worker has been handed a life sentence for murdering his ex-wife just metres from where their children slept.

Russell Norman James Marsh, of Shotton, Flintshire, was last week found guilty of murdering the mother of his four children Jade Marsh - also known as Jade Ward - last summer.

Jurors heard during the Mold Crown Court trial how Ms Ward was slashed, stabbed and strangled in her own bed in the box room of her Shotton home in Wales. The 27-year-old's mutilated body was later buried under a pile of clothes.

Marsh, who worked for Bio Energy in Ellesmere Port, was jailed for her murder on Tuesday (April 12). The 29-year-old will now serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

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Ms Ward was found dead by officers after Marsh had subsequently handed himself in at Blacon police station in Cheshire. During his trial, Marsh denied the charge of murder but admitted manslaughter when he gave evidence, Cheshire Live reports.

Following today’s sentencing, Jade’s family paid tribute to her with the following statement: "Jade was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone. Jade was the sunshine in our lives, she was the glue that held us all together. She was also a devoted mum who would do anything for her children, a much-loved friend, daughter, sister, aunty, niece and granddaughter.

"Jade’s whole life was ahead of her and her death has left a void in all our lives. The family are very thankful to all of Jade’s friends and colleagues for their support, and to North Wales Police for the investigation that has led to today’s conviction.

"We ask that our privacy is