Nottinghamshire Man Jailed For Murdering Partner

11 May 2016, 19:05 | Updated: 11 May 2016, 19:08

A Nottinghamshire man will spend a minimum of 24 years behind bars after admitting murdering his partner by setting her on fire.

Carolyn Hyatt called emergency services in the early hours of August 6 last year after David Dunstan struck her over the head with a metal stick, poured a flammable liquid on her and ignited it.

He was arrested at the scene, in Linden Street, Shirebrook, while Carolyn, of Pleasley, was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham with serious burns. 

The 43-year-old died in hospital later that month.

Dunstan (42), of Redgate Close, Mansfield, appeared at Derby Crown Court today and admitted murder. 

He has now been sentenced to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 24 years before he is eligible for parole.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Meadows said: "This was an abhorrent crime. Not only did Dunstan brutally attack Carolyn but he abused the trust she had placed in him as a very new partner. He also abused the trust of his own unsuspecting mother by committing the attack in her home while she was away on holiday. 

"Carolyn was a much-loved sister and her devastated family will live with the consequences of her loss for the rest of their lives. I hope this guilty plea and the very substantial sentence will help to bring some form of closure for her family.

"No one should ever suffer the way Carolyn did that night or during the time she spent in hospital.

"We take reports of domestic abuse very seriously in Derbyshire. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse, I would urge you to come forward and speak to us. We have specially trained officers on hand to support you. Please don't suffer in silence."