Man told neighbour 'I've killed her' after stabbing ex-partner and 'caring' mum to death

William Brady will serve a life sentence after murdering 'loving' mum Pauline Sweeney

A man who stabbed his ex-partner to death in Coventry told a neighbour "I've killed her" shortly after the fatal attack. William Brady, 57, stabbed "caring" mum Pauline Sweeney at her address in Long Close Avenue in March this year.

A court head Brady and Sweeney had been inside the address together on the day the murder happened. No clear motive was established, but Brady was later spotted by a neighbour standing outside the home crying.

When spoken to, he repeated "I've killed her" over and over again. The neighbour called the police who tried to save Pauline's life, but the 40-year-old died from her injuries.

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Brady was arrested and later charged with murder. He pleaded guilty to the offence on September 19.

He was handed a life sentence, with a minimum of 19 years to be served before being eligible for parole, at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday, September 24.

Pauline's family have paid tribute to their much-loved mother. In a joint statement, they said: "Our mother was a beautiful person, she made friends and memories everywhere she went. If you ask anyone who knew her they’ll always have a story to tell.

"She had the kindest heart and no matter what she was going through she always had a smile on her face. Nobody quite compares to your mother and we are so grateful she was ours.

"We’ll spend the rest of our lives missing her and remembering her for how funny, loving and caring she was. Nothing will ever help heal the pain of the way we lost our mother but we know she’s always watching over us."