A ‘CRUEL and evil man’ who committed a ‘frenzied attack’ on a mum-of two has been given a life sentence.

Saleem Said, 40, repeatedly stabbed ex-partner Leanne Collopy before setting her on fire at her home address in Loveclough, Rossendale, on July 30 last year.

Miss Collopy died in hospital on August 3 while their daughter Leila, who was also in the house at the time, sustained serious burns.

Said, of Woodcroft Street, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to murder and arson with intent to endanger life. But he pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted murder.

Sentencing Said to a minimum of 30 years in prison, Judge Mr Justice Jay said Said had committed a ‘vicious, premeditated attack spurred by his uncontrolled jealousy’.

Preston Crown Court heard how Said and Miss Collopy, 25, had gone through a Muslim ceremony of marriage.

But the pair’s relationship broke down in April 2017, which Said had ‘difficulty’ accepting.

The court also heard how Said had purchased a five-and-a-half litre canister of petrol on July 26.

In the days leading up to Miss Collopy’s death, the court heard how Said made several sinister searches on the internet.

On July 16, he went on a webpage entitled ‘16 steps to kill someone' while on July 18 he researched ‘how to start a fire fast and furious’.

He also purchased tape, white spirit and handcuffs, which he had claimed to use for escorts and prostitutes, but that the judge said was for more sinister reasons.

Prosecuting Francis McEntee said: “On the evening of July 30, Leanne spent the evening with her friends and at 10.17pm the defendant contacted her that day getting her to come home.

“He described her as being flustered about his request to come and he’d said he’d forgotten Leila’s cot.

“This was false and the essential plan was to draw her home and attack her.”

The court heard how at around 10.30pm on July, Said with the couple’s daughter, visited Miss Collopy’s address claiming their child wanted to see her.

Then once inside the address, Said attacked Miss Collopy before starting a fire in the kitchen area with fuel from a petrol canister.

Alerted to screaming inside the house, neighbours went to the front door of the address and saw the fire, calling emergency services for help.

Minutes later, two police officers arrived and with help from residents, forced entry to the burning house and rescued Said, Miss Collopy and their daughter.

She was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment having suffered multiple injuries, but died four days later.

Her daughter was also taken to hospital for treatment having suffered serious burn injuries.

After spending several weeks at the hospital, she was released to the care of her maternal grandparents.

The incident has left her with life-changing injuries and she continues to receive support.

Said remained in hospital until September. Following treatment he was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with murder, attempted murder and arson.

Leanne’s mum Julie Doherty said in a family impact statement: “There are no words to describe the effect of her death on our lives.

“Leanne was only 25 and had her whole life ahead of her.

“She was a proud mum of Lola and Leila.

“Personally, I feel empty inside and that emptiness will never go away.”

Defending Said, Mokhtar Hussain said: “He has made a guilty plea and admitted killing Leanne from the outset.

“He has shown deep and genuine remorse and did not wish for this to go to trial for the family to have to revisit and relive these tragic event.

“He publicly and unrelenting offers his sincere apologies.

“He is a man of previous good character and with no previous convictions.”

Judge Mr Justice Jay said: “You had difficulty accepting the relationship was over.

“Towards the end of June 2017, you reached the conclusion you weren’t going to have her back so you killed her.

“You began making various internet searched including finding out how long to suffocate someone and 16 steps to kill someone.

“There were no internet searches for self-harm.

“I reject evidence that you brought handcuffs to engage in role play with prostitutes, but you rather brought them for a more sinister reasons.

“A few days before you also purchased a five-and-a-half litre petrol canister a few days before.”

“Your account of events is holy inplausible.

“Your story about the cot is false and you used this to lure her alone with you.

“On July 26, you purchased the petrol with a view to looking for every option for Leanne to be alone.

“You went to her house with two knives and a petrol canister with the intent to kill her and destroy her body.

“So it’s quite clear to me that this was a vicious, pre-meditated attack spurred by your uncontrolled jealousy.”

Det Chief Insp Gareth Willis, of Lancashire Police’s major investigation team, said: “Said is a cruel and evil man who has shown no remorse for his actions.

“We welcome today’s verdict and I feel the sentence reflects the callous and cowardly attack committed by Said on two defenceless victims."

Speaking after the case Miss Collopy's family said in a statement: "As a family we will never get over what happened to Leanne. She was strong, vibrant, mischievous and beautiful inside and out. She was the most amazing mum, daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend and has left a huge void in all our lives.

"Leanne was taken from us in the most violent and shocking manner that will haunt us all for the rest of our lives. We miss her more than words can say, and her two little girls must grow up without such a wonderful role-model.

"She will forever be with us in our hearts and thoughts and we will focus on all the good memories that we have as a family, but the reality is she should be here with us making many more memories.

Det Chief Insp Gareth Willis said: “Saleem Said is a cruel and evil man who has shown no remorse for his actions.

“Our investigation revealed his plans to commit this offence started several weeks before and involved the purchase of items to enable him to carry it out.

“On Sunday, July 30, Leanne was enjoying an evening at her friend’s house when she was contacted by Said. He lured her back to her home address having concocted a story that their daughter needed her mum. She returned home and once Said got inside he viciously attacked her and set fire to the property. 

“Leanne and her daughter suffered horrendous injuries. It is clear she tried everything possible to protect her daughter and get her to safety. I have no doubt Leanne’s brave actions that evening saved her daughter’s life.

“The scene which my colleagues and members of the public encountered was truly shocking and I must praise their bravery at the scene in helping those inside the address to safety.

“Furthermore, l must also thank the wider emergency services for their help in extremely traumatic and ultimately tragic circumstances.

“We welcome today’s verdict and I feel the sentence reflects the callous and cowardly attack committed by Said on two defenceless victims. 

“Specially trained officers continue to support the family who have behaved with immense dignity following this senseless attack. I hope today’s outcome provides some small comfort to them.”