A ‘jealous’ ex-policeman who was caged for life for murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Huddersfield has had his minimum jail term slashed by top judges.

Jonathan Sutton, 40, of Reinwood Road, Oakes, stabbed Emma Siswick, who was using her maiden name of Mansell, 81 times in a frenzied attack.

He was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on October 23 last year for a minimum of 28 years.

Sutton pleaded guilty to murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

His minimum term was intended to ‘cover the criminality’ involved in the GBH counts, Lord Justice Treacy told London’s Criminal Appeal Court today.

The court head there was ‘strains’ in Sutton’s relationship with Miss Siswick and that he was known to be a ‘very jealous’ man.

On May 18 last year, he lost his temper with her after seeing a text message and accused her of being unfaithful.

He thrust a glass repeatedly into her face and then repeatedly stabbed her with an eight-inch knife.

Re-read: Emma Mansell murder: horror of Jonathon Sutton's murderous attack revealed in court

He also stabbed two other victims and police had to use a taser on him before they could arrest him.

The judge who jailed him commented on the ‘determined, repeat brutality of the attack’ which was made worse by the loss of the unborn child.

The attack on the other victims was also ‘little short of torture’.

Floral tributes placed outside home of Emma Mansell
Floral tributes placed outside home of Emma Mansell

Psychiatric reports said that Sutton, who had no previous convictions, was ‘emotionally insecure and prone to jealously’.

But Jamie Hill QC, for Sutton, argued that 28 years was ‘too long’ and failed to take into account his guilty plea and clean record.

Lord Justice Treacy said it was a ‘brutal and determined’ attack, which was made worse by the use of weapons.

But the judge, sitting with Mrs Justice Cox and Judge Jeffrey Pegden QC, agreed the minimum 28-year term was ‘manifestly excessive’ and cut it to 25 years.

Sutton will have to serve that term before he can even apply for parole.

He will not be freed until the Parole Board is convinced the danger he poses to society has passed.