MICHAEL COPE FROM SALFORD SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF LINZI ASHTON IN SALFORD

Michael Cope, a 28-year-old man from Salford, has been convicted of the murder of his former partner, Linzi Ashton. The tragic incident took place in Salford, where Cope launched a relentless and extremely violent assault on Ms. Ashton, resulting in her death. The court proceedings revealed that the attack was prolonged, brutal, and carried out with a disturbing level of determination and cruelty.

According to court reports, Cope's assault involved multiple forms of violence. He punched and kicked Ms. Ashton repeatedly, stamped on her body, and beat her with a metal pole. The attack also included strangulation with a cable tie and the use of a blade to inflict further injuries. The assault was so severe that Ms. Ashton sustained a total of 108 injuries across her head and body, illustrating the savage nature of the attack.

Cope admitted to the police that he had beaten and strangled Ms. Ashton at her home in June of the previous year. He pleaded guilty to the charges during his appearance at Manchester Crown Court. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Kenneth Parker, sentenced Cope to 27 years in prison. In his sentencing remarks, the judge described the attack as 'savage and sustained,' emphasizing the heinousness of the crime. He stated, 'You violently took the life of a young mother,' highlighting the tragic loss suffered by Ms. Ashton's family.

Further investigations uncovered that Cope had a troubling history of violence. It was revealed that he had previously attempted to strangle two other partners and had a record of domestic abuse. Despite his incarceration, Cope's violent tendencies persisted, as he was found to have tried to clean the crime scene in a 'clear and coherent manner' following the murder, indicating a disturbing attempt to conceal his actions.

The case also drew significant attention because Ms. Ashton had previously reported Cope to the authorities for rape and assault. This raised questions about whether law enforcement responded appropriately to her warnings. An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was initiated to examine the police response and determine if there were any failures in protecting Ms. Ashton.

Ms. Ashton's family expressed their relief that justice had been served. Her mother stated, 'We as a family are all extremely relieved that this terrible ordeal has finally come to an end. Nothing will ever replace her.' The case has left a lasting impact on the community in Salford, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of proper intervention and support for victims.