Man jailed for killing partner in 'brutal attack'

A man has been jailed for a minimum of 24 years for murdering his girlfriend at her home in Leeds in a "brutal and sustained" attack.

The body of Samantha Varley, 44, was found with bite marks and head, chest and leg injuries in a flat in Harehills in February 2024.

Warren Spence, 55, already had convictions for attacking, threatening and harassing previous partners dating back to 2007, Leeds Crown Court was told.

He had denied being present at the time of Miss Varley's death but was convicted on 6 March following a trial lasting two and a half weeks.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Miss Varley had visited Leeds' domestic violence service in the week before she was killed.

Police bodycam footage was played at the trial, showing Miss Varley predicting her own death and telling officers that she was terrified of Spence.

In sentencing, the Judge Mr Justice Cotter told Spence: "You are a violent, manipulative and controlling man who's been a danger to women for many years."

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Miss Varley's family described her as "caring, funny, loyal and a beautiful person inside and out".

"Sam's death has had a devastating impact on all our family, more so as we've learned the awful circumstances in which she was taken from us and the suffering she endured at the hands of what we can only describe as an absolute monster," her family said.

"Although Sam's death will remain a heartache forever, her family choose to remember her for the beautiful, kind, loving and funny girl she really was, our Sam," they added.

West Yorkshire Police has confirmed it has referred itself to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Senior Investigating Officer Det Ch Insp James Entwistle, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Sam Varley suffered a horrendous catalogue of injuries in a brutal and sustained attack by Warren Spence.

"He then left her there to die without the slightest consideration, and she was not discovered until several days later.

"He has given no explanation for his violent actions which have left Sam's family completely devastated by their loss."

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We received a mandatory referral from West Yorkshire Police in February 2024 relating to the prior contact the force had with Samantha Varley.

"We are close to finalising our report and will be able share our findings when completed.

"Our thoughts remain with Miss Varley's family, friends and all those affected by her tragic death."

Becky Joyce from the Leeds-based Homeless Street Angels charity, which supported Miss Varley, said she was a "lovely, lovely girl".

She said: "I was worried about her before it happened, but I never thought anything like this would happen, it was a total, total shock.

"She's left a big hole in the community, she was so loving to people.

"Anyone she met, she'd put herself to the back of the queue."

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