A monster boyfriend has left residents in shock after he brutally smashed the girlfriend's head before setting her on fire.
David Dunstand smashed Carolyn Hyatt's head before setting her on fire
A monster boyfriend, David Dunstan, 42, who brutally murdered his lover and set her ablaze has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The 42-year-old evil man smashed the girlfriend's head identified as Carolyn Hyatt, 43, with a metal bar and walking stick before pouring white spirit over her body and igniting it.
Carolyn managed to survive the initial beating and ring 999 and was rushed to hospital. But she died days later.
On Wednesday, Dunstan pleaded guilty to murder after he appeared before a Derby Crown Court.
Sentencing, Judge John Burgess said: "The facts of this case are both depressing and horrifying.
"A 43-year-old woman died as a result of a stroke prompted by the injuries she suffered when she was set on fire by you.
"Carolyn Hyatt was a vulnerable woman, her final misfortune was to get involved with you David Dunstan.
"Though you claim you can't remember what happened, it's obvious that you set fire to her.
"It was a terrible thing that you did."
It was revealed in court that Ms Hyatt who had special needs and other health problems, which affected her mobility was set on fire by the boyfriend during a squabble. In a desperate bid to save her life, she called police.
Pathologists told the court the victim, of Pleasley, Notts., suffered 20% burns to her back, arm, neck and face. She also had two lacerations to her head. She couldn't survive and died.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Meadows, from Derbyshire Police, said: "This was an abhorrent crime.
"Not only did Dunstan brutally attack Carolyn but he abused the trust she had placed in him as a very new partner.
"Carolyn was a much-loved sister and her devastated family will live with the consequences of her loss for the rest of their lives.”
The evil boyfriend was sentenced to life in prison and ordered to serve a minimum of 24 years before he is eligible for parole.