Crawley man Ryan Evans sentenced to 21 years for murder of girlfriend

They told how Evans took financial advantage of Ms Sanchez and made repeated threats of violence towards her.

His coercive and abusive behaviour escalated, resulting in her suffering multiple injuries at the hands of Evans who was described by Ms Sanchez’s family as a “cruel and evil monster”.

Her relatives said they hoped the case would raise awareness of how domestic violence can quickly have fatal consequences, and that it would lead to more victims to speak out.

Evans was also found guilty of one count of unlawful wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, plus controlling and coercive behaviour.

During the trial, prosecutor Ryan Richter said: “In the short time they were together, [he] regularly subjected her to domestic violence, beating her and hurting her.”

During sentencing the court heard from Ms Sanchez’s mother Kelly who said: “The thought of what Holly went through at the hands of Ryan haunts me every day.

“I cannot understand how someone could hurt my baby girl so badly.”

The initial sentence had been 23 years, but was reduced due to time spent on remand.