A MAN who murdered his wife in a frenzied knife attack at their Poole home has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Jealous Kevin Jason Powell, who feared his relationship with 29-year-old Danielle was over for good after she started seeing another man, launched his sick attack as she slept.

In the days before the murder last April, Powell told a family member he intended to kill Danielle.

Danielle awoke as the ferocious attack began but she was unable to fend off her powerfully-built husband. She suffered 27 separate knife wounds and died at the Hamworthy maisonette.

Powell, 38, who suffers from a personality disorder leading to emotional instability, pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court yesterday.

Passing sentence, Recorder Judge Broderick told Powell: "This certainly wasn't a spur of the moment reaction. You went into Danielle's room, she was asleep in the bedroom, and you started to stab her.

"These last minutes must have been utterly terrifying for her. It simply doesn't bear thinking about."

Danielle, who was murdered two days before her 30th birthday, was spending much of her time away from Powell, who had a history of violence.

She was studying for a degree in animal welfare and behaviour at Kingston Maurward agricultural college.

Powell told police he had two voices in his head on the night of the murder - one telling him to be nice to Danielle, the other saying kill her'. Prosecution barrister Ian Pringle told the court: "He succumbed to the bad voice."

More than 200 people attended Danielle's funeral and she was awarded her degree posthumously. Kingston Maurward College, where Danielle was described as one of the best students, has set up an annual grant and award in her name for students who overcome adversity.

A joint statement from Danielle's family welcomed the verdict, adding: "It won't bring Danielle back but we do feel that we have got some justice today.

"We would like to thank everyone involved including the police, ambulance crew, all our friends, neighbours and family and everyone at Kingston Maurward College for their support.

"Danielle's memory will live on through the Danielle Perrin Memorial Award."

Detective Inspector Jez Noyce also welcomed the sentence, adding: "This was a particularly callous murder."