Woman was murdered and her body hidden under blankets and towels in chaotic flat - live

A man has been sentenced to life for the murder of a 47-year-old woman whose body was found at her home in Swansea.

The body of Leanne Williams was discovered at a property on Gomer Road in Townhill on Thursday, February 27. A Home Office post-mortem examination identified horrific injuries. For the latest court stories sign up to our crime newsletter

Her body had been hidden under blankets and towels in the flat, which was in a "chaotic state". She had been subjected to a "frightening, savage and continued attack", suffering deeply distressing injuries.

Matthew Battenbough, aged 34, of fixed abode, subsequently pleaded guilty to the murder of Miss Williams and is being sentenced Swansea Crown Court today.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the defendant he had been invited into Miss Williams’ flat where he subjected her to a “prolonged, savage and merciless attack”.

He says no reason has ever been given for what happened in the Townhill flat, and says he has come to the conclusion that it was the result of Battenbough’s "unfettered brutality towards a particularly vulnerable woman”.

You can follow the sentencing on our blog below