A MAN from St Helens who admitted murdering his partner in Aberdeen in a "brutal attack" has been sentenced.

Jacqueline Kerr, 54, was found with multiple serious injuries in her own home on Sunnyside Road in the Scottish city on Monday, January 16, 2023.

She died at the scene.

Christopher Cook, aged 44 and originally from St Helens, was arrested in connection with her death the same day.

In October he pleaded guilty to murder at the High Court in Aberdeen.

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She had suffered head injuries consistent with a car crash or a fall from height, it is reported.

The BBC reported that Judge Lord Weir, deferring sentence, described it as an "appalling outbreak of lethal violence"

The BBC added that it is understood he was on bail for a previous allegation of assault on the victim.

Cook, who was a pupil at Cowley High, is a former amateur rugby league player who represented Blackbrook and the British Amateur Rugby League Association as a youth.

Cook appeared in the High Court in Edinburgh today, Friday, November, 3, where he was given a life sentence and must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.

St Helens Star: Jacqueline KerrJacqueline Kerr (Image: Police Scotland)

After Friday's sentencing, Detective Inspector James Callander, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Christopher Cook will now face the consequences of his actions and whilst this cannot change what he did to Jacqueline, I hope this will bring some closure for her family.”

In an earlier statement after Cook's conviction, Det Insp Callander said: “Jacqueline Kerr was subjected to a brutal attack in her own home by Christopher Cook.

“He has now admitted responsibility for his violent behaviour, which resulted in the death of Jacqueline.

“While it cannot change what happened, I hope this outcome in court leads to some closure for Jacqueline’s family.”

Jacqueline’s family has released the following statement through Police Scotland: “Jaqueline was the light of our lives.

“She was so loved by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.”

“The day our sister’s life was taken was the day part of our lives were taken too. We will never truly heal from the pain.

“We have young grandkids asking where their aunt is. Those who Jacqueline worked with and supported, unable to understand why she no longer comes to work.

“We wouldn’t wish this on anybody.

“Thank you to all those involved in the  investigation.

“Please respect our privacy at this time and allow us to grieve and heal as a family.”