KILLER Michael Strudwick has shown no remorse for his actions and maintains he has no recollection of what he did.

Michael Strudwick shot Christy Walshe with a shotgun after a row at her home in Sutton Road, Southend, on the evening of Sunday 13 January.

He then called 999 to declare what he had done. 

Today, he was jailed for life and was ordered to serve a minimum of 26 years and 25 days in jail.

In a statement, Christy’s family said: "Christy is not just a victim of domestic violence.

"Christy was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, and an adored granddaughter.

"As with all families, we had our ups and downs, but Christy was loved. She mattered.

"We made the common mistake in believing we had time to put things right. Time to say sorry. Time to say 'I love you.'

"Her death was cruel, violent and senseless.

"We would like to say thank you to family and friends for their love and support, especially as they are grieving themselves.

"Thank you to Essex Police for their work and support, especially to the family liaison officers, who have stood beside us every step of the way."

Christy and Strudwick had been together on and off for eight months.

She rang police shortly after 7.10pm that evening to say he had gone to her home and refused to leave. She reported he was being aggressive, but while on the call to police she said he was leaving.

Strudwick then rang police shortly before 7.20pm.

The court heard he had shot Christy and himself.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Julie Gowen, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Christy Walshe was a vulnerable woman who had begun a relationship with Michael Strudwick.

“Their relationship was not working but instead of walking away, Strudwick took Christy’s life in a violent, unprovoked shooting.

“Christy’s family are devastated at the loss of their loved one and are still struggling to come to terms with this loss.

“I would like to thank them for the enormous amount of dignity and courage they have demonstrated throughout our investigation and subsequent court process.

“They have continued to remain strong for Christy.

“Strudwick has shown no remorse and the court has heard he has no recollection of what he did.

“Albeit today’s outcome can never bring Christy back, I hope it offers her family some peace moving forward.”