A 35-year-old man who murdered a mother-of-two in Thatcham, Berkshire was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday.

Christopher Joseph Minards, of no fixed abode, stabbed 43-year-old Emma McArthur on April 1, who died the next day despite the best efforts of medical professionals.

Minards will serve at minimum 16 years and two months in jail after pleading guilty to murder and possession of a knife at Reading Crown Court.

“No words can express the sadness and feelings we have as a family at the loss of Emma,” her family wrote in a tribute.

“Emma had a wonderful smile, a giggly laugh, and smiling eyes that could light up a room,” their statement read.

“Emma touched so many lives and she leaves us all with good memories that we hope will carry us through the tough times ahead.”

In full: Family’s touching tribute to Emma as killer jailed

Reading Chronicle: Emma McArthurEmma McArthur

Minards was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for possession of a bladed article, which will run concurrently to his murder sentence.

Minards attacked Ms McArthur, whom he knew, at the junction of Crookham Hill and Burys Bank Road.

A murder investigation was launched and Minards was charged on April 4.

Read more: Man, 55, sentenced for racist attack

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Sally Spencer said: “This incident has had a devastating impact on the family and friends of Emma, and shocked the entire community, and we are committed to bringing such offenders to justice.”

The Thames Valley detective said: “My thoughts once again go out to the family and friends of Emma, I sincerely hope that the fact we have brought her killer to justice and he has now been jailed, helps them begin the very difficult process of moving on with their lives.”