Northern Ireland's most senior judge warned yesterday that men who murder their partners will be issued long prison sentences.
The Lord Chief Justice, Sir Brian Kerr, issued the warning in the Court of Appeal in Belfast after judges increased a killer's jail term from 10 to 15 years.
Conor Doyle (23), from Belfast, admitted murdering Ms Angela Snoddy in a frenzied knife attack in her Newtownabbey home in October 2002.
The 21-year-old mother of two was stabbed over 70 times the day after Doyle was served with a court order not to molest her.
The case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General who believed the 10-year sentence was "unduly lenient." The case was heard last week, and in a reserved judgment yesterday the three judges decided that Doyle's sentence should be increased to 15 years.
Sir Brian said Ms Snoddy had been the victim of a horrendous, sustained attack in which a number of knives were used.
"While few cases involve the level of violence inflicted on the victim on this occasion, courts have a duty to send a clear message to those who engage in violence on women that severe penalties will be imposed on those who are found guilty of it."