‘Free spirit’ girl killed in lighter row
A MAN has been jailed for life after strangling his “free spirit” girlfriend in a row over a lighter.
Darrell Rose, 36, murdered Geraldine Mellor, 32, after she had said she wanted to split up.
Rose had wanted to marry Geraldine but she didn’t want commitment.
He had a row with her over a lighter she borrowed from his dad.
Rose, of Exeter, was found guilty after denying murder. Judge Paul Darlow jailed him for life, to serve a minimum 15 years.
The judge told him at Exeter crown court: “The attack must have been up close and personal. You watched her struggle for breath and die.
“You did not summon help. That demonstrates your callousness.”