Killer murdered mum in front of their three children

Killer Alan Bennett murdered his ex-partner in front of their young children a court was told.

Bennett stabbed Jodie Betteridge 132 times on an open green area in Redcar on March 23 in front of their youngsters, aged just four, six and nine.

Minutes earlier he stabbed current partner Lynne Freeman, 46, to death at a nearby address.

Bennett pleaded guilty to the murders at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.

The family of 30-year-old Jodie Betteridge was in tears at Teesside Crown Court as the harrowing details were revealed.

A statement from Ms Betteridge's mother read out from the court said her life has been 'turned upside down.'

The court heard that one witness described the killer as a 'crazed maniac' as he murdered Ms Betteridge.

The attack was so frenzied part of the blade was broken, the court heard.It is thought Bennett used the same weapon to kill both women.

Bennett was arrested at the scene and later charged with the murders.

He pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday