A MAN who strangled and killed a woman from Carlisle has been sentenced to life imprisonment. 

George Chalmers, 54, of Tempest Road, Leeds, was handed a minimum term of 17 years and six months at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (October 30) for the murder of his partner Ruth Baker.

Chalmers called officers to his home on Saturday, March 30, telling them he had strangled Ms Baker, 48, following an argument.

According to West Yorkshire Police, despite receiving medical attention, Ms Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chalmers was arrested on the spot and charged with Ms Baker's murder.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Ms Baker had died from neck compression.

Speaking after Chalmers had been sentenced, senior investigating officer detective superintendent Emma Winfield, said: “Our sympathies remain with the family of Ruth Baker at this very sad time.  

“We hope that they can take some comfort in knowing that Chalmers has now been jailed for life.”

The family of Ms Baker issued a statement, saying: “We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the prosecution team for all their hard work and the liaison officers for all the support we have been given over the past seven months.

"We are so grateful too for the love and support we have received from our family and close friends.  

“We would like to take this opportunity to urge all those people who find themselves stuck in an unsafe relationship to find the strength to seek out support and find bravery to out before they too are taken from us unnecessarily.”

West Yorkshire Police said a domestic homicide review would follow.