Why it matters: Prior to her murder, Courtney Mitchell, 26, had told friends of reported physical and verbal abuse she had suffered at the hands of Burnett, including alleged threats to kill.
The big picture: Burnett was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday, 17 February, having pleaded guilty to murder in November. The judge described the attack as "a personal execution".
The details:
Burnett attempted to contact Mitchell 22 times in a five-hour period on 6 August.
Police were called to Burrell Road just after 19:10 after reports a woman had been stabbed.
Despite treatment by the public and emergency services, including critical care paramedics from Suffolk Accident Rescue Service, Courtney died in hospital.
A Home Office post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was fatal injuries from stab wounds to the chest.
What happened: On the evening of 6 August, Burnett was caught on camera walking from his home towards the town centre. Courtney was seen walking with friends when they spotted him on Stoke Bridge. The group turned and ran towards Burrell Road, where Burnett caught up with them and fatally stabbed her.
What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Nicola Wallace said: "Suffolk police are committed to tackle domestic violence in all forms across our communities, with the aim of trying to prevent such horrific attacks and the impact on victim's and families in future."
The other side: Courtney's family said in a statement: "Women are dying every day at the hands of men, enough is enough, it's time we take a stand and fight back against violent men, violent relationships and knife crime. This is a national problem that needs to be taken seriously, people are dying."
The bottom line: Burnett will serve at least 24 years in prison for Courtney's murder. Meanwhile, her family vowed to raise awareness about domestic violence in her name, saying: "She will not be another statistic; we will do everything in our power to fight. She has three beautiful young children who now have to grow up without their mummy."
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