INVESTIGATIONS carried out by Warrington detectives into Kathryn Linaker's tragic murder were officially recognised at the conclusion of Jenny Cupit's trial.

Prosecutor Alex Carlile QC, speaking after Cupit was sentenced to life imprisonment, highlighted police work on what was a "distressing case."

The lawyer praised a Warrington CID team - including senior investigating officer then-Detective Chief Inspector Helen King, Det Insp Phil Jones, Det Sgt Ian Hughes, and Detectives Constables Nick Bailey, Liz Crawshaw and Colin Taylor.

Mr Carlile said: "It was good immediate police work that led to the proper outcome of this trial and I feel it is right that these matters should be raised in open court."

Speaking after the trial Helen King, now an acting superintendent, was satisified with the verdict and told how detectives had grown to respect and admire victim Kathryn Linaker during their inquiries.

Supt King said: "She was an exceptional woman whose talents touched the lives of many."

Everyone who they contacted as part of the investigation - including Chris Linaker - was "incredibly honest" with police, she revealed - except Jenny Cupit.

Referring to Cupit, Supt King added: "I find it impossible to understand what she has done."

But she stressed there were "no winners" in the case with both the Cupit and Linaker families left suffering.

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