A CARING Carlisle mum who worked with homeless people was murdered by a drunk partner who had a history of subjecting women to violence, a court heard.

Police learned about the tragic death of 48-year-old Ruth Baker after George Chalmers called the police the following day and told them he had committed a murder and needed to be arrested.

The 54-year-old was this week jailed for life.

At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Guy Kearl KC set out the heartbreaking circumstances of the murder including the defendant’s history of violence against former partners.

The judge began by pointing out that Ms Baker was employed as a homeless accommodation worker, a role reflecting her character as a “kind, thoughtful and caring person.”

Judge Kearl told Chalmers: “You are someone who has previously engaged in violence towards your partners and females, in 1995, 1997 and 2001. It is important to note that there is also a history of you using physical violence upon Ruth Baker during the course of your relationship with her.”

At the time of her death, Ms Baker was living in Carlisle. She and Chalmers had met online and were in a relationship for around six months.

“As early as November 5,” said the judge, “you had assaulted Ruth Baker when staying at a caravan near her home in Carlisle.

“It is clear from the contents of the text messages read by the prosecution that you had assaulted her by punching her to the body and face repeatedly and you also strangled her.

“You promised that you would get help in order to avoid this situation taking place again. Whilst you blame the alcohol, it is clear you knew the effect that alcohol had upon you at least from that moment forwards.”

During the court hearing, the prosecution revealed a message that Ms Baker sent to Chalmers after that attack and four months before she was fatally strangled. 

She told him: "Get whatever help you need. I know what it's like when things build up and you go on autopilot but you can't let that happen again. Next time you could kill someone."

In other messages, again after the earlier violence, she told him: "I don't understand what would make you want to kill me. I thought I was going to die when you strangled me...I have never seen anyone look so angry."

On March 29, Ms Baker travelled from Carlisle to Leeds, arriving at Chalmers’ Tempest Road flat in Beeston (pictured below) shortly after 10.30pm. Clearly drunk, Chalmers argued with her for more than 12 hours.(Image: Google)

The following day, shortly after 1pm, he called the police, announcing that he had murdered Ms Baker by strangling her. Medical evidence showed she suffered additional violence, including a spinal fracture and injuries to her head and face.

“It is plain that the other injuries to her head upper limbs and body had been caused by multiple forceful blows to those locations,” observed the judge.

“From the point at which you telephoned the emergency services, you admitted responsibility for her death. However, you claimed you were unable to recall the incident citing that you had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.”

Read more: Carlisle murder victim Ruth Baker had 'gentlest and kindest of hearts'

Chalmers abused the trust of his victim, a “vulnerable” and “slight” woman, who had been alone with him.

A further aggravating factors was his history of violence towards women, including two separate attacks, including one which included strangulation. The impact on Ms Baker’s family – and her daughter in particular – was 'immeasurable', the judge said.

Chalmers was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of 17 years and six months before he can be considered for release on parole. He will be on licence – at risk of recall to prison – for the rest of his life.

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.”

* Refuge offers help and advice via its The National Domestic Abuse helpline website. The number is 0808 2000 247. Cumbria Police also operates an online Support Organisations Page.