THE partner of Sharon Perrett has been jailed for life after being convicted of her murder.

Ms Perrett, 37, was found dead at her home in Park Gardens, Christchurch, in the early hours of Sunday, August 26, 2018.

Her partner Daniel O’Malley-Keyes, of Chestnut Avenue in Bournemouth, was today found guilty of murder following a 13-day trial at Winchester Crown Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had sustained multiple impact injuries to the head, neck, chest and limbs. There were 82 areas of external bruising or abrasions found and Ms Perrett had sustained 15 recent fractures to her ribs.

In police interview the defendant claimed these injuries were self-inflicted and he had not assaulted her.

DCI Rich Dixey, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The level of injuries indicate Sharon was the victim of a sustained violent attack at the hands of Daniel O’Malley-Keyes, which resulted in her tragic death.

“She was in a vulnerable state on that night and what she needed was a person who could protect her and look after her. The very person who should have done that actually brutally assaulted her, causing her death.

"I can only imagine the devastation this horrific crime has caused to Sharon’s family and I hope the verdict delivered by the jury today will bring some sense of closure. Our thoughts remain with them.”

The jury heard evidence that the defendant and victim had gone out for drinks with another couple in Southbourne on the evening of Saturday, August 25, 2018 to celebrate O’Malley-Keyes’ 38th birthday, which had been the previous day.

They initially went to the Grove Tavern at around 7pm, where Ms Perrett was said to be clearly under the influence of alcohol. The group agreed to move to The Brewhouse and Kitchen at around 7.50pm. As they walked up the road O’Malley-Keyes and Ms Perrett began having a disagreement.

She walked away and went to sit on a bench at a nearby bus stop while the other three went into the pub.

She remained in the area of Southbourne Grove, moving between two bus stops, until around 8.50pm when a couple passing by saw her lying on the pavement, apparently due to her intoxication.

Concerned for her welfare, they went to check on her and could see she had no visible injuries.

The defendant then approached and said that she was his girlfriend and that he would look after her.

CCTV showed Ms Perrett stumbling to the floor at around 9.15pm before O’Malley-Keyes picked her up and carried her over his shoulders.

A neighbour at Park Gardens reported hearing raised voices from the couple’s flat at around 10.30pm, with another hearing O’Malley-Keyes shouting at around 12.30am.

At 2.17am the defendant phoned his mother, saying his partner was not breathing and he didn’t know what to do. She told him to phone an ambulance but he stated he was scared.

O’Malley-Keyes’ mother went round to the address and she called for an ambulance at 2.43am. Emergency services attended and Ms Perrett was pronounced dead by paramedics at 3am.

A statement issued on behalf of Ms Perrett’s family said: “Sharon was like a painting with vibrant colours.

“She would brighten up anyone’s day with her smile and personality. She was loved by anyone who crossed her path. She could make people smile with a joke and laugh at her comical sense of humour.

“The loss we feel is overwhelming, living without her is indescribable. She is missed thoroughly by her family and friends.”

Due to the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the matter has been referred for a Domestic Homicide Review. This has commenced and will be progressed by the Local Adult Safeguarding Board.

Due to prior police contact with the couple, this case was also referred to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct). The investigation remains ongoing at this time and Dorset Police is co-operating with the process.