A convicted rapist who murdered a 14-year-old girl in a frenzied attack in her Leeds home before spending the rest of the day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach will serve at least 35 years in prison.
Michael Clark, 40, was given a life sentence at Sheffield Crown Court for the brutal killing of Polish teenager Zuzanna Zommer in Harehills last year.
Clark was found guilty of murder by a jury who heard how he sexually assaulted Zuzanna before s
mashing her skull and cutting her throat.
The judge, Mr Justice King, told Clark he had considered imposing a so-called whole life tariff which would have meant him never having the possibility of being released. But the judge said he had decided instead he must serve at least 35 years before he is considered for parole.
Solvent abuser Clark, wearing a dark grey sweatshirt and light grey tracksuit trousers, showed no reaction as he stood in the dock for the sentencing. He was closely guarded by three prison officers.
The judge described the horror of Zuzanna's parents returning to their home to find the half-naked, mutilated remains of their daughter.
The judge said: "No words of mine could express the grief, distress and profound sense of loss caused by your actions to the Zommer family. These were truly wicked acts. You have shown no remorse."
Speaking after the case, Detective Superintendent Bill Shackleton said the murder of Zuzanna was "as bad as it gets".
He said: "He is without doubt an extremely dangerous sexual predator. The sentence he received today will ensure that he will no longer present a danger to the public."
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