Mike Samwell's killer jailed for 27 years

                                

Ryan Gibbons,a burglar has been jailed for at least 27 years for killing an ex-Royal Navy officer by running him over with his victim's car.

Mike Samwell, from Manchester, was hit by Ryan Gibbons outside his home as the serial thief was about to drive off in Mr Samwell's Audi A3.

The former Royal Navy officer was asleep when he and his wife Jessica heard the sound of a break-in during the early hours of the morning on 23 April.

Mike Samwell rushed outside and confronted Gibbons, who was behind the wheel of his sports car.

He 35-year-old was run over as it was driven away. Mike Samwell was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

In a halting voice, Mrs Samwell spoke of her "catastrophic" loss and "overwhelming grief" at the sentencing, saying words can not explain how losing her husband has affected her.

As Gibbons and co-defendant Raymond Davies looked down, avoiding her gaze, she said: "I feel overwhelming grief for the future we will never have, the birthdays and anniversaries, and to think of the children we will never share is devastating.

                                      

"The loss of such a caring, loyal and warm man who supported me for 10 years is too much to bear. The hole he's left becomes even more tangible," she added.

"I now know the days get harder, the physical pain, loss and longing for Mike has not ended. The loss of Mike has felt catastrophic," she said.

Gibbons, from Chorlton in Greater Manchester, told jurors he did not see Mr Samwell or deliberately run him over, but heard "screaming" and thought "something had gone under the wheel" before speeding off.

He said the plan was to sell the stolen Audi - worth £36,000 - for £2,000.