A vicious killer who fled to Holland after stabbing his ex-girlfriend in the throat and neck 22 times was jailed yesterday at Manchester Crown Court for 22 years.
Joseph Davies, 36, stabbed 31-year-old Kelly Davies at her home on Queens Street, Bolton on June 2 last year during a row.
He then fled the country but he was later arrested in Holland after being hit by a train.
Davies was injured so badly that he had to have his leg amputated but when he woke up on June 8 2012 he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
It was reported that Davies and Kelly had been in a relationship for many years and had three children together however there was a history of domestic abuse between them.
Elizabeth Reed, Branch Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to bring the offender to justice for his truly violent actions.
“Joseph Davies thought that he could evade capture by fleeing to Holland following his brutal attack on Kelly Davies, leaving their daughter in the house with her mother’s body for two days.
“The CPS has worked hard with the police and the Dutch authorities to ensure that Davies was brought back to this country to face the charge of murder.”
On Friday June 1, Davies was released from prison and went to stay with a friend. He then went to Kelly’s house and the following day at around 11.30pm was taken to Manchester Airport in a taxi.
At 1pm on Monday June 4, a friend went to Kelly’s house on to pick up one of her children to take her to a party where he found Kelly slumped on the couch in the front room.
He called emergency services but when paramedics arrived they pronounced Kelly dead at the scene.
Elizabeth Reed added: “Today, justice has been served and the defendant must now face up to the consequences of his horrific crime.
“I would like to offer my sympathy to Kelly Davies’ family and friends.”
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