A man who stabbed his partner multiple times in Braintree has been made the subject of an indefinite hospital order.

Jake Neate, 37, stabbed 33-year-old Suzanne Brown at their home in Mountbatten Court, Braintree on the evening of December 15, 2017.

Ms Brown died at the scene, a post mortem found that she had suffered 173 stab wounds.

Neate was arrested at the scene and charged with murder.

He was found unfit to enter a plea or stand trial following the results of medical reports on his mental health at Chelsmford Crown Court on Monday, January 14.

A trial was held to determine if Neate had killed Ms Brown: after hearing evidence the jury ruled on Wednesday, January 16 that Neate had killed her.

The court had heard that Neate had paranoid schizophrenia and his mental health had deteriorated after being taken off medication in October 2017 because of health issues.

Since Ms Brown’s death Neate has been receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital and was sentenced on Friday to the hospital order at Chelmsford Crown Court.

In a Victim Impact Statement, Suzanne’s sister, Rebecca Foskett said: “Sue was my rock and would support me through any troubles that I had in my life, as a sister would, she was always there with a smile and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

“Sue had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh and tears would roll down her cheeks as she laughed.

“My world has been changed forever, Sue was a huge part of my life.”

After sentencing Suzanne’s family added: “The loss of Sue will leave a huge hole in our lives.

“As a result of the measures the court has put in place we are grateful that no other family will have to suffer what we have suffered.”

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “My thoughts are very much with Suzanne’s family, who have lost their daughter in such a tragic and brutal way.

“The investigation and court proceedings have understandably been very upsetting for them and I thank them for their support throughout this extremely distressing time.

“It is clear that Jake Neate was acutely unwell and the hospital order will ensure he receives the ongoing medical care he needs.”