The face of the Reading murderer who bludgeoned his girlfriend to death with a hammer and a pair of pliers has been revealed.

Thames Valley Police have released the custody image of 45-year-old Ben Shand, who was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years today (Monday) at Reading Crown Court for the murder of Beth Aspey.

The grey-haired killer, of Crescent Road in Reading, will be in prison until at least his 65th birthday after he was sent down by Judge Paul Dugdale this morning.

READ MORE: Murderer Ben Shand jailed for life for killing girlfriend with hammer and pliers

The court heard how in a 60-minute ordeal, Shand beat Ms Aspey, aged 34, in her own home in Bedford Court on April 30. Shand denied the killing, but a unanimous jury found him guilty following a trial earlier this month.

The court heard today how Shand attacked his partner, who was visually impaired due to her long-term struggles with diabetes, with a claw hammer and pair of pliers, hitting her repeatedly.

The killing blow was struck when Shand smashed his victim in the head with the claw of the hammer, leaving Ms Aspey with a badly bleeding wound.

Had Shand phoned an ambulance after the attack, the court heard that the helpless victim could have lived. Instead, he devised a fictional account portraying himself as innocent, attempting to cover his tracks.

The jury saw through his lies and found him guilty of murder.

Sentencing Shand, Judge Paul Dugdale said: “This was an act of extreme violence, committed by you I am sure in a violent rage.

“You took the life of a woman from a family who loved her. You have shown no recognition or remorse for the terrible act you did that night.”