Life in jail for killer of Barrowford nurse

Jonathan Vass (30), of Conway Drive, Preston was sentenced yesterday at Preston Crown Court, he was told he must serve at least 30 years behind bars.

Vass admitted killing Ms Clough outside Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 25th. He repeatedly stabbed the 26-year-old as she walked from her car to start her shift at the hospital.

Vass was seen on CCTV cycling away from the crime scene and was arrested in Barrowford the next morning.

Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen, who led investigation, said: “This was a truly horrific and devastating crime. Jonathan Vass is a vicious and controlling man who will be spending a very long time behind bars.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he committed this brutal murder to prevent this brave young woman from having her day in court, and testifying as to his previous appalling treatment of her.

“Jane Clough was a new mum who had everything to live for. She enjoyed her job at the hospital and had many friends there, but she was cruelly taken from those who loved her by Jonathan Vass in the most violent of circumstances.

“Jane’s family have been left absolutely distraught by their loss. They are a close-knit family and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

“I would like to pay tribute to the remarkable way they have conducted themselves throughout this ordeal, and for the assistance they have given my team during the investigation. They, in the cruellest of circumstances, have conducted themselves with dignity and honour and are a real credit to Jane. “They are her voice in these proceedings and they have made sure she has been heard loud and clear.

“I can only hope that the sentence handed down by the judge today will bring them some small comfort as they continue to try to come to terms with Jane’s death.”