A man who stabbed his landlord 48 times in her own home has been jailed for at least 23 years.

Michael Purcell, of Ashford Court, Cricklewood, was today sentenced for the murder of 49-year-old Imelda Molina's death at the Old Bailey.

Purcell will also serve a concurrent sentence of 42 months for the burglary.

The Old Bailey heard how the 53-year-old pleaded with police to “let him die” and tried to slash his wrists after killing her.

He attacked her on October 29 last year, after Ms Molina’s partner phoned at 6pm to say she was on her way home from work with a pizza.

But when she arrived, she noticed the bedroom door of their flat had been forced open and discovered her body.

Police and paramedics were called and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigating officers went to a bedroom that was used by Michael Purcell, who had been living with her for four years.

He was found covered in blood and had a large cut to the left side of his neck and also had cuts to his wrists.

As police officers and ambulance staff started trying to save his life, Purcell said: “I killed the woman next door, just let me die.” He had used a Stanley knife to inflict his own injuries.

Purcell was arrested on suspicion of murder before being taken to hospital, where he said: “I don't know what came over me yesterday because she was a lovely lady."

A search of Purcell's room found a handbag belonging to Ms Molina’s partner, which contained £1,000 in cash.

Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "We believe that the motive for the murder was financial. Enquires revealed he had problems with alcohol and owed a large amount of money, but even he may not really understand why he carried out such a vicious and sustained assault.

"However, what we can all understand is how Purcell's attack resulted Imelda's life being stolen away from those who loved her.”