Psychotic killer ex-boyfriend is caged for 14yrs

Thuq's mental disorder was made worse by drug abuse

- EOIN REYNOLDS

A MAN who previously threatened to kill his on-off partner before strangling her to death has been jailed for 14 years.

Richard Burke was found not guilty earlier this year of murdering Jasmine McMonagle but guilty of her manslaughter.

The court heard his responsibility for the killing was substantially diminished by a mental disorder.

One doctor who gave evidence noted the disorder "may have been triggered or exacerbated" by drug use.

Passing sentence yesterday Mr Justice Paul Burns said despite his condition, Burke knew what he was doing was wrong, understood the nature of what he was doing and he could have stopped himself.

He added the killer "must bear a considerable degree of responsibility for the crime.

The judge noted the level of violence used against a defenceless woman that included the use of weapons.

He also took into account the victim was at home with her two children at the time she was killed.

The judge noted four other occasions where Ms McMonagle expressed fears for her safety.

DEVASTATING 

There was also evidence that Burke had previously used disparaging terms to refer to her and said on different occasions that he would bury her, throw her in front of a bus, "kill the bitch" and indicated he wanted to strangle her.

The judge said the victim was highly regarded in her community and much-loved by her friends and family.

Her death has had a "devastating impact on the whole family but in particular her two daughters who now live in separate homes "without the guidance of their loving mother".