Man admits stabbing murder of former partner

Jenny ColemanNorth West
News imageGMP Woman with short blonde hair stands leaning with one are on a balcony. She is wearing a navy and white patterned dress.GMP
Michele Kennedy was "beautiful, strong and fearless", her family said.

A man has admitted murdering his former partner in Cheshire.

Michele Kennedy, 55, was found with stab wounds outside a home in Woolston, Warrington, in October and died five days later in hospital.

Gavin Shaw, 61, of Manchester Road, Warrington, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court and has been remanded in custody.

He will be sentence at Liverpool Crown Court on 2 April.

Police were called shortly after 16:00 BST on 13 October last year following reports of an incident at the address.

Officers attended and Michele was found with stab wounds outside.

She was taken to Aintree Hospital by air ambulance but died four days later.

Shaw was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder.

News imageCheshire Constabulary Gavin Shaw has short grey hair and a short grey beard. He is wearing a grey top and a small hoop earring in his right ear.Cheshire Constabulary
Gavin Shaw admitted murdering Michele Kennedy

Det Insp Eleanor Atkinson, of Cheshire Constabulary, said it was "an exceptionally traumatic incident for all those involved especially Michele's family, neighbours and the emergency services who tried to help her following the attack".

"While nothing can ever be done to bring her back, I do hope that the conclusion of this case will bring her family some closure," she said.

"Our thoughts remain with Michele's family and friends at this time, and we would like to thank them for their cooperation throughout our investigation."

In a tribute following her death, Michele's family said she was a "much-loved daughter, mother, sister, auntie and nana".

"She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her, who would help anyone, was beautiful, strong, fearless and one of a kind," they said.

"The loss of her life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that her friends and colleagues who were involved in her life will feel the same."

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