Whole life sentence for freed killer who knifed woman in the street in Rawtenstall

A man has been sentenced to a whole life prison term after pleading guilty to murdering his former partner in a knife attack outside her home.

Convicted murderer Paul O’Hara, 43, admitted the murder of businesswoman Cherylee Shennan just months after he was freed from jail.

Ms Shannan was knifed 40 times outside her home at Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall

O’Hara, of Honiton Close, Heywood, was jailed for murder in 1998 and released in 2013.

He admitted the murder of Ms Shannan when he appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier today.

He also admitted charges of section 18 wounding and assault with intent to resist arrest relating to attacks on police officers who had been called to the address.

O’Hara was today given a full life term for the murder of Ms Shennan, who owned a furniture store and a beauty salon.

He was also jailed for ten years for the attack on Det Sgt Damien McAllister and two years for the assault on DC Karen Kenworthy. These will run concurrent to the whole life term.

Ms Shennan, 40, of Hardman Lane, was attacked and killed in the street outside her home on the afternoon of Monday, March 17.

She died at the scene.

A post mortem examination showed she died of multiple stab wounds.

O’Hara was arrested nearby a short time later.

Detective Supt Eddie Thistlethwaite, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team, led the inquiry.

He said: “This was a truly horrendous incident which cost a young woman her life.

“O’Hara is a predatory and violent individual who manipulated his victims including Cherylee, praying on their craving for love and attention.

"He has shown no or little remorse throughout this process and his actions fully justify the sentence which has been imposed.

“I would like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and Counsel for all their hard work which has resulted in today’s guilty pleas.

"O’Hara’s admission has at least spared the families the ordeal of having to re-live these tragic events through a trial.

“I would also like to praise the bravery of all police officers, PCSOs, and paramedics who attended what was a horrific scene.

"Special thanks must go to Detective Sergeant Damien McAlister and Detective Constable Karen Kenworthy who fought with O’Hara in the vain attempt to save the life of Cherylee.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Cherylee. They have shown enormous dignity and bravery throughout this ordeal.”

Sentencing, the recorder of Preston, Judge Russell QC, commended the bravery of Det Sgt McAllister and DC Kenworthy.