A man has been sentenced to 22 years behind bars after stabbing his former partner to death.

Simon Meecham, 43, of Shoebury, had denied murdering 26-year-old Leanne Meecham but was found guilty earlier this week after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Meecham was Leanne's step-father but the couple became involved in a six year relationship in 2007.

When Leanne split up with Meecham he told family members that if he couldn’t have her, nobody else could.

Meecham, a mechanic, from Rosewood Lane, Shoebury, will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, August 15.

The jury had heard that police were called to Leanne’s home in Park Street Westcliff on Thursday February 13 2014. She was found with stab wound and was taken to Royal London Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Police were called to the scene later found Meecham with knife injuries. He was treated in hospital and later charged with murder.