A murderer from Coalville - who was jailed for strangling his girlfriend - could see his sentence increased at the Court of Appeal.

Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson has referred Ross McCullam's sentence as it "appears unduly lenient".

McCullam was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 23 years, for killing Megan Newborough, 23, at his home in Leicestershire, on August 6, 2021.

He cut her throat 14 times before dumping her body in undergrowth, Leicester Crown Court heard last month,

The BBC reports that the Court of Appeal could now increase it at a hearing on 7 March.

An Attorney General Office (AGO) spokesman explained: "The Solicitor General was shocked and appalled by this case and wishes to express his sympathies to the family of Megan Newborough.

Megan Newborough. Photo: Courtesy of Megan's family

"I can confirm that the Solicitor General has referred Ross McCullam's sentence to the Court of Appeal as he agrees that it appears unduly lenient.

"It is now for the Court to decide whether to increase the sentence."

McCullam, who initially admitted manslaughter, claimed he could not be guilty of murdering Miss Newborough because he acted after a loss of control.

He tried to blame Miss Newborough, claiming he went into a 'volcano of rage' set off by undiagnosed PTSD caused by unreported childhood abuse.

However, the jury disagreed and last month, McCullam was convicted of the young woman's murder following a six-week trial.

Megan's devastated family spoke of their 'constant pain and loss' following her murder.

Speaking outside the court last month, Megan's brother John described her as "the glue that held us together".

Ms Newborough met McCullam at work at the Ibstock Brick factory

The court heard laboratory worker McCullam, 30, invited Ms Newborough to his house in Windsor Close, Coalville - where he lived with his family - when his parents were out.

McCullam attacked her and strangled her to death before fetching a carving knife to cut her throat, in what the prosecution said was an attempt to decapitate her.

He then bundled her body into her own car, driving her to Charley Road, near Woodhouse Eaves, where he dumped her in undergrowth behind a stone wall.

The court was told McCullam discarded Ms Newborough's mobile phone but failed to turn it off.

He then attempted to cover up the murder by leaving phone messages professing love and supposed concern for her.