A FORMER Risley Prison officer has been jailed for life for killing his girlfriend.

Lee Lucas, aged 36, was jailed for a minimum of 16 years for battering his girlfriend Helen Lucas.

The Park Road, Golborne resident has been jailed at Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon.

Police were called to the Wigan Royal Infirmary shortly after 12.10pm on Saturday, September 20, after Helen Lucas, 45, had been brought into hospital from her home on Park Road, Golborne.

A post mortem examination revealed that she died from trauma to her head and neck.

Helen and Lee had been dating for about 14 months. The couple weren't married but Helen had changed her name.

Both Helen and Lee worked as prison officers.

Senior Investigating Officer, Andy Tattersall, said: "Helen was a lively, popular woman with a large circle of friends and family, many of whom are still struggling to come to terms with her death.

"Although Lee has admitted killing Helen, it still remains unclear exactly what took place in their home when they got back from their night out.

"I believe he attacked Helen in the early hours of the morning, leaving her for dead and only bothering to call for help hours later. By then it was too late.

"He made considerable efforts to clean up after himself and make it look like an accident, but the injuries Helen suffered were so severe it was clear he was lying.

"She was battered by someone who was supposed to love her and look after her.

"Lucas has proved he is a violent man but also a complete coward. Thankfully he will now spend many years behind bars where he belongs."