A KILLER who stabbed a 21-year-old woman with a samurai sword then drove over her as she lay dying in the street has been jailed for life this afternoon.

Hugh Penrose was told he must serve at least 18 years for the murder of Carie Burns at a party at his home in Thomas Street, in the Blackhill area of Consett.

Judge David Hodson told him: "There can be no doubt that this was a sustained, brutal and savage attack with two lethal weapons, namely a sword and a car, and you had a clear intention of killing her.

"I am in no doubt that this was an intentional act on your part and that you intended to drive over her helpless body in the street."

Penrose was sentenced this morning after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to the murder of Miss Burns after an argument at the party in May of last year.

See exclusive video of police apprehending penrose here