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THIS is the moment a smirking brute who slashed open his mother-in-law’s head with a meat cleaver told cops: “She had to get dealt with.”

Luke Mackrory was jailed for 18 years on Friday, June 21 for the savage attack on Nicki Murnane.

The 51-year-old gran-of-two miraculously survived after suffering a fractured skull and needed 47 stables in her head after her scalp was left hanging off like a “slice of beef.”

Mackrory - who was found guilty of GBH with intent at trial - carried out the frenzied attack on Nicki yards from her front door on Halloween last year.

Nicki - who said Mackrory had been the model son-in-law - had split-up with Nicki’s daughter Victoria, 27.

The pair had met at primary school but after the break-up Mackrory launched a vendetta against her mum.

Wearing a spooky mask he hacked at her head in Caversham before going on the run.

The 27-year-old then sent a chilling text to Nicki while she was being treated in hospital saying: “Trick or treat, smell the blood.

“Tastes good, right? Hahaha. Still out here. Thinking of finishing you off. Hee Hee.”

Mackrory was arrested the next day and while in custody was allowed to record the video as a message to his family.

But in it he admits to the attack and showing no remorse.

In the clip - which was shown to the jury - and officer can be heard saying: “Go on say what you’ve got to say?

While smiling, Mackrory says: “Hey people. It’s been in the making for a very long time, hasn’t it?

“Like I say, like I’ve been telling people. It is what it is. I don’t talk rubbish. Its comes to this, you know what I mean.”

As he stumbles with his words and blows raspberries he adds: “I don’t even know the words.

“I was...obviously...I’d rather it not come to this.

“It’s already too late. You are all in my thoughts and my heart.

“But it’s come to this. I couldn’t live no longer like it.

“Therefore she had to get dealt with. It’s not going to be the last time.

“But yeah I’m going to miss you guys. Love you all. Don’t worry about me, I’m all good.”

Speaking after the sentencing at Reading crown court today/yesterday (Fri) Nicki said: “I’m relieved. I’m glad it’s over.

“I will not be seeing him now for a long time.”

He was jailed for 18 years - 14 of which will be served in custody with a four year extension - for the GBH with intent.

Mackrory was also sentenced two years for threatening with a bladed article and another year for possession of a bladed article - both to run concurrently.

He admitted both of those charges.

He was also given a restraining order in relation to Nicki and ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

Read also: Reading woman attacked with meat cleaver speaks about terrifying experience