A BRITISH hairdresser who abused her husband for years before killing him with a single stab wound through the heart has been jailed for life.

Michelle Spencer, 48, will serve a minimum tariff of 13 years for the murder of dad-of-two David Butterfield, 43, after she admitted killing him.

UK Police said Spencer killed her husband with a kitchen knife during an altercation at their home in Gomersall, West Yorkshire, on January 13.

Spencer had been out with friends, and arrived home as Mr Butterfield had gone to the shop to buy bread.

Detective Inspector Ben McDonald said Spencer first tried to claim her partner had been attacked on his way back from the shops and then told detectives it had just been an accident.

He added the police investigation uncovered a history of unreported violence which Spencer had inflicted on Mr Butterfield as well as her previous partners.

Spencer was due to go on trial on Wednesday, but admitted to the murder. She was sentenced today by Justice Soole.

Simon Waley, prosecuting, highlighted the pathologist’s opinion that the wound indicated the degree of force must have been in the severe range and of considerable force.

But Michelle Colborne QC, defending, said: “Whilst one appreciates that nothing in truth can mitigate for a death, we should demonstrate that this momentary loss of temper wasn’t something that had ever been premeditated by the defendant.

“A minor disturbance resulted in this shocking incident. She has always said that this was the kindest, most loving man.

“They were healthy and happy together with plans to holiday in the new year. We hope that the family can understand that there is remorse.”

Jailing Spencer, Justice Soole said: “This was an utterly unprovoked assault with a knife on your innocent partner.

“In a sudden outburst of unreasoned anger you deliberately stabbed him once and with very considerable force, causing his almost immediate death.

“As the agreed basis of plea records, you were preparing food and for that purpose had a knife in your hand.

“As he came towards you, you suddenly and deliberately stabbed him with this knife, which penetrated through his clothing, through a rib and into his heart.”

He added: “I consider it an aggravating factor that this fatal stabbing took place in the home which Mr Butterfield shared with you and where he is entitled to feel safe.”

Spencer sat motionless in the dock throughout, with her hair being used to cover her face as a members of the public in the gallery wept.

This article originally appeared on The Sun.