An Essex man has been jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of his girlfriend in Southminster.

Police were called by the ambulance service to an address in Main Road, St Lawrence, just before 11am on Monday, April 17, after Carolyn Hill was found unconscious following an assault.

The 51-year-old died a short time later.

A forensic post-mortem examination later showed she had suffered an acute subdural haemorrhage – a blood clot on the surface of the brain – from being hit in the face.

Her partner, Skye Page, was arrested and later charged with murder.

At a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court in June, he denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Back at the same court today, Friday, October 13, his plea was accepted and Page, 38, of Dunkirk Road, Burnham was sent to prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Jennings, of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, said after the hearing: “Skye Page subjected Carolyn Hill to an assault while fuelled with alcohol.

“It is galling that he was comfortable using violence against someone who he’d been in a long-term relationship with.

“Carolyn’s death was totally needless and has caused great sadness to her friends and family.

“At least by admitting his crime, Page has prevented Carolyn’s family from having to go through the trauma of a trial.

“I hope this sentence provides them with some solace.”