Published: Friday, 12th March, 2010 4:00pm

Life in jail for stabbing lover

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A MAN who stabbed his girlfriend 20 times after she accused him of having an affair with another woman, has been jailed for life.

Mario Carvalho, 26, killed Jane Treasure in an attack in November 2008. He was found guilty of her murder and guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to his friend Damien Sharpe by a jury at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday.

He was given two life sentences and must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Miss Treasure, 19, was found in Carvalho's bed with 20 separate knife wounds, including stab wounds to her chest and neck and numerous cuts caused when she tried to defend herself.

Her dad John Treasure, 67, described the case as a tragedy. He said: "She just made a mistake and met the wrong bloke. It's a good result. It's never going to be truly over for us. We have to move on, because that's what Jane would want us to do. She was that type of person, a very giving sort of girl."

Mum Laura said: "In 20 years he [Carvalho] will be 46 but I won't get my Jane back. It is a life sentence of heartache, sadness and yearning for me, her family and friends."

During the week-long trial the jury had heard how Miss Treasure discovered in November 2008 that her boyfriend had slept with another girl. Witnesses testified that for days before the attacks they heard Miss Treasure's raised voice through the days and long into the nights, with barely a sound from Carvalho.

On the morning of November 18, police were called to The Crescent, Chalvey, after Mr Sharpe was attacked at his home. He identified the culprit and gave them his address, in neighbouring Ledgers Road.

Officers went there and arrested Carvalho on suspicion of attempted murder. "There's someone upstairs who needs your help," he told them, leading to the discovery of Jane Treasure's body.

Det Supt Rob Mason, senior investigating officer, said after the case: "Any loss of life is a tragedy, but for a young and vibrant woman to lose her life in such circumstances is particularly sad, and our thoughts remain with Jane's devastated family. I'm very pleased with the murder verdict and the sentence reflects the severity of both attacks and the dangerousness of using knives."

Victim Damien Sharpe added: "I am pleased with the verdict and feel that I can now begin to put this terrible experience behind me."