THE life sentence handed out to murderer Martin Saberi has been welcomed.

Detective chief inspector Carl Moore of the West Mercia Police Major Investigation Unit said: “Martin Saberi is very obviously a dangerous and violent individual and today’s sentence reflects the horrific nature of both offences he pleaded guilty to, in which he attacked two women with a knife in completely unprovoked and unforgivable incidents.

“Amy was a much loved, much respected person who so many people have spoken warmly of and i know she is deeply missed by those whose lives she touched.

"Amy’s family do not wish to make a statement and would ask that their privacy be respected as they continue to process the loss and be allowed to grieve.

"However, I hope today’s outcome will provide some comfort to both them and Amy’s friends far and wide, that justice has been done and that it will provide a small measure of closure knowing Saberi will spend so many years in prison.”

55 year-old Saberi was jailed last week after he admitted murdering Ms Griffiths at her flat in Droitwich in 2019.

A Worcestershire Pride spokesman said: "All of the Worcestershire Pride team are pleased to hear that justice has been served.

"Amy was a much loved and respected member of the LGBTQ+ community and we will be paying our respects to her at this year’s Pride event. Out thoughts are with Amy’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Just two days before, Saberi, who has an array of mental health issues and was physically and sexually abused as a child, had attacked another woman in London, stabbing her in the neck after an argument about a friend’s relationship.

Fleeing the police after this offence, Saberi sent a message “out of the blue” to Ms Griffiths informing her he was coming to visit, according to Judge James Burbidge.

The two had originally met online via a transgender dating site and the two spoke often in friendly terms.

Having left London to visit Ms Griffiths, Saberi, who has an extensive history of violent crime and mental health issues, murdered her in the early hours of January 11 before leaving for London with her Xbox and laptop .

Upon his return to London he left his wallet, which had Ms Griffiths’ bank card inside, in a phone box. The card was later used on two separate occasions in the city by whoever took it.

Saberi then handed himself in at Stoke Newington Police Station, arriving in such a state of drunkenness that he collapsed on the floor of reception.

Speaking to a member of staff, he said: “I’ve just killed my friend.”

Immediately after sentencing Saberi, Judge Burbidge asked the prosecution to convey his deepest sympathies to Ms Griffiths' family.