A MAN who stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death at hairdressers where she worked in Gloucester has been jailed for life.

Asher Maslin, 22, admitted repeatedly knifing Hollie Gazzard, 20, at Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty salon in Gloucester in February.

She had ended her relationship with the former security guard just days before, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

The Honourable Mr Justice Teare said Maslin would serve a minimum of 24 years.

The attack happened shortly before 6pm on February 18 as Miss Gazzard was nearing the end of her shift at work.

Maslin became violent after the couple moved to Gloucester Maslin, of Benhall Gardens in Cheltenham.

He stabbed her 14 times in her neck, chest and torso and she died two hours later at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital as a result of massive blood loss.

Horrified colleagues and customers who were in the salon at the time had tried to help her but were warned off by Maslin.

Family and friends of Hollie Gazzard were at Gloucester Crown Court today for the sentencing of Maslin.

Acting District Crown Prosecutor Allie Longhorn said: “Asher Maslin made a cold and calculated decision to kill Hollie Gazzard, a young woman who only weeks previously he had been in a relationship with.

"The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with the police to build a strong prosecution case against Maslin.

"Ultimately, the strength of the evidence resulted in him pleading guilty to Hollie’s murder and this at least spared many witnesses from having to re-live the horrific events in court.

"Nothing will compensate Hollie’s family and friends for the loss they have suffered at the hands of Asher Maslin but I hope the conclusion of this case and the custodial sentence passed will bring at least a degree of comfort," she added.

Senior investigating officer in the case Detective Chief Inspector Steve Bean said: “This horrific and violent attack was a spiteful and cowardly reaction by a self-obsessed individual who couldn't handle rejection.

"At the heart of this though is a young woman whose life was so cruelly cut short.  You only have to look at the public reaction to this to see how much Hollie was loved and admired.

"The very public nature of her death has affected a great many people right across Gloucestershire and beyond.

"On behalf the investigation team and Gloucestershire Constabulary I would like to pay a special tribute to Hollie’s family who have shown immense strength, patience and dignity during a truly horrific ordeal. 

"I know nothing can begin to compensate them for their loss, but I hope today's sentence will at the very least give them a sense of justice for what has happened and their unnecessary loss."