48 YEARS FOR ELLE

Murderer won't be free until he is 71

- HOLLIE BONE

THE man who murdered beautician Elle Edwards with a submachine gun has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 48 years in jail.

Connor Chapman, 23, killed innocent bystander Elle, 26, when he fired at rival gang members at the Lighthouse pub, Wallasey, Merseyside, on Christmas Eve.

Chapman, who was found guilty of murder on Thursday, will be 71 before he is eligible for parole. His accomplice, 20-year-old Thomas Waring, got nine years' jail for helping him dispose of evidence.

Sentencing Chapman, Mr Justice Goose described his crimes as "wicked and shocking". As Chapman was led to the cells, Elle's older brother Connor shouted "goodbye lad".

Moments before, the court had heard Connor's own impact statement.