A MAN has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend who he stabbed to death.

Gavin Wilson, 42, of Ostell Crescent, Enfield, was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, January 24, of killing Lindsey Smith, 42.

On Wednesday, January 25, he was given a life sentenced and is expected to serve a minimum of 20 years.

Ms Smith and Wilson were seen arguing over a dog outside their home at around 4pm on Friday, March 11.

The prosecution claimed Ms Smith was attacked by Wilson after going inside their home at around 5pm.

Wilson left the property shortly afterwards, returning at 11.30pm and waking neighbours who saw him destressed saying: "she's gone, my missus has gone" and "she's gone, she's so cold".

Ms Smith was found lying motionless on her back on a sofa in the house with a bruised and swollen face.

A knife next to a blood smear was found in the kitchen.

Paramedics found a stab wound in Ms Smith’s stomach as well as severe facial injuries and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

After initially telling police he returned home to find Ms Smith dead, Wilson was arrested on suspicion of murder.

After he continued to lie to police, claiming he was with friends that day, Wilson was charged with murder on March 13.

Detective Inspector Paul Considine, from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "There was a history of domestic abuse between Wilson and Lindsey and on this particular day tensions boiled over and resulted in Wilson stabbing his girlfriend to death.

"He then lied to try to cover his tracks but evidence gathered by officers disproved his account and I am pleased at his conviction."