Aras Hussein jailed for beheading teenage girlfriend

Hussein stabbed student Reema Ramzan before beheading her in his kitchen

A man who beheaded his girlfriend before stabbing himself has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of 20 years in prison.

Aras Hussein, 21, stabbed student Reema Ramzan, 18, in her chest with a kitchen knife and began to decapitate her while she was still alive.

He then stabbed himself in the chest, took his clothes off and went outside his flat in Shirecliffe, Sheffield.

A neighbour saw him standing naked and covered in blood while holding a wad of money and a passport.

Hussein admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder at his trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Undated handout photo issued by South Yorkshire Police of Aras Hussein, who has been jailed for life at Sheffield Crown Court, after being found guilty of murdering 18-year-old Reema Ramzan. But jurors rejected his claim of diminished responsibility and found him guilty of murder.

Miss Ramzan's family said in a statement released by the police after the verdict: "Words cannot describe the pain we feel not having her here.

"Reema was not just a beautiful girl to look at, she was a beautiful girl inside; so kind and helpful, she was always smiling and we loved her so much. We couldn't have wished for a more loving and caring daughter and sister."

Detective superintendent Phil Etheridge of South Yorkshire Police, who investigated the case, said: "This is an incredibly sad and heartbreaking case and my deepest sympathies are with Reema's family and friends.

"Reema was a kind and considerate young woman who had a bright and promising future to look forward to. Regrettably, her life was taken far too soon and in such tragic circumstances.

"This has been a difficult investigation however I am satisfied with the verdict today and I hope it provides some form of closure for Reema's family."

Additional reporting by PA