Man admits killing ex and her son

A 45 year old man's been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison after admitting killing his ex girlfriend and her son in the Thames Valley.

Michael Kelly from Swindon pleaded guilty to mudering Sallyann Cox and Martin Faulkener at their home in Banbury last December.  

The bodies of Sallyann Cox and Martin William Faulkner were found in a house in Banbury on 13th December 2010.

Following the sentencing, Sallyann and Martin's family said:

"Today has seen justice done for Sally and Martin, although no sentence will ever be long enough for the hurt and suffering that he has put the family through, not least of all the suffering that Sally and Marin went through. He has also robbed two daughters of their mother and brother. The family would also like to thank Thames Valley Police for their help and support through this sad and meaningless loss."

 Det Ch Insp Peter Vigurs, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“Sally Cox and her 22-year-old son Martin Faulkner were murdered by Michael Kelly in their home in Banbury on 13 December last year. Kelly has pleaded guilty today and I welcome the sentences handed down. These brutal murders were carried out by Kelly with an axe whilst he was wearing a gruesome horror mask. Amy Cox and her sister managed to escape from the house while the attacks were going on and I have no doubt that, had they not done so, they would also have become victims of Michael Kelly. Amy was able to escape because her brother stepped between her and Kelly and she jumped from a first floor bedroom window to escape, suffering serious injuries as a result.

Sally Cox and Kelly moved into the house together and he had been accepted by her children in February last year. They separated in November 2010 and it would appear that Kelly was unable to deal with this separation.

Our sympathies go to the family and I very much hope that was has happened here today may, in some small way, allow them to begin the next stage of their lives.”