A jealous man who admitted killing his ex-wife by stabbing her at their former home on Manchester Road, Warrington, has been given a life sentence and will serve at least 14 years in prison before being considered for parole.
Gavin Shaw appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today ( Thursday), where he was sentenced for the murder of Michele Kennedy.
The 62-year-old was sentenced to life in prison, with the minimum term set at 14 years and 196 days.
The charges follow an incident shortly after 4 pm on Monday, October 13 last year, when police received multiple reports of an incident at a residential address on Manchester Road in Woolston.
Officers attended the scene and 55-year-old Michele was found with stab wounds outside the address.
She was taken to Aintree Hospital by air ambulance; sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, she died on Saturday, October 18.
Shaw was arrested at the scene of the incident and was subsequently charged with attempted murder.
Passing sentence today, Judge Cummings said: “You were arrested and cautioned and said statements such as: “That’s what you get for s*****g someone from Manchester.”
“Your presentation throughout was callous and indifferent. I reject this was all a product of shock. In my judgement, it was an accurate display of how you felt at the time.
“What I am sure of is you entered her house, not with the intention of friendly chat, but enflamed by jealousy and resentment, wanting at the very least to shout abuse at her.
“Approaching her that way was never likely to end well, and you became violent and attacked her.”
Shaw was told by the judge that if he had taken a knife to the scene, he would have received a 25-year sentence.
But as he was of previous good character and had served time in custody on remand of 169 days, the minimum term was set at 14 years, 196 days.
He was also told he would not be considered for parole until he served the minimum term, and would only be released if the parole board believes it was safe to do so.
He would then be on licence.
During the hearing the court heard how the pair had been in a long term relationship, which friends and family described as volatile at times, and had separated in August 2025.
A few weeks before her murder, Michele went on holiday to Turkey with her mother, where she met a man and began a new relationship. They continued seeing each other in the UK, and Michele spent time with him the weekend before her death.
From text messages found on Shaw’s phone and comments he made to witnesses on the day of the murder, the investigation team established that he had discovered Michele’s new relationship.
On Monday 13 October, Shaw consumed five pints in a local pub and at around 4 pm, he went to Michele’s home on Manchester Road, entering through the front door unannounced.
Once inside, Shaw stabbed Michele twice in the chest, causing serious injuries, before leaving the property. The incident lasted just three minutes.
Michele managed to leave the address but collapsed on the pavement outside.
Shaw returned to his son’s nearby home and told him that he had stabbed Michele.
Passing members of the public provided first aid at the roadside, located the knife and moved it to a safe place, and identified Shaw to officers when they arrived.
On police arrival, Shaw was immediately arrested. He responded by saying, “It was me,” and, “That’s what you get when she’s sh***ing someone in f**king Manchester.”
An air ambulance was deployed to the scene and specialist doctors provided life-saving treatment at the roadside before transporting Michele to Aintree Hospital.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, she passed away on Saturday, 18 October.
During questioning, Shaw provided officers with a pre-prepared statement in which he admitted stabbing Michele but claimed he had not intended to kill her.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson, who led the investigation, said: “This was an exceptionally traumatic incident for all those involved, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assisted Michele following the attack, including the emergency services and the members of the public who stopped at the scene.
“I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Shaw and hope that it provides some closure to Michele’s family and friends.
“Through our investigation, it has become apparent that Shaw was troubled by Michele’s new relationship in the hours before he killed her, and it is my belief that he acted out of jealousy and an inability to allow her to move on with her life.”
Following her death, Michele’s family issued the following tribute:
“Michele was a much-loved daughter, mother, sister, auntie and nana.
“She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her, who would help anyone, was beautiful, strong, fearless and one of a kind.
“The loss of her life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that her friends and colleagues who were involved in her life will feel the same.
“We would like to offer our extended thanks to all the emergency services that attended the scene and any kind person that tried to help. We will miss her very much.”
DI Atkinson added: “While nothing can ever bring Michele back, if anything can be achieved from her death, I hope it encourages others to speak out and get the support they need.
“If you believe you are affected, support is available online by CLICKING HERE
Murdered – Michele Kennedy
