A POOLE man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of mum-of-five Tracey Buckland.

Darrell Bacon killed his former partner, with whom he had two children, at his home in Cromwell Road, Poole, on September 9, in what police have called a "brutal, callous and premeditated attack".

The 40-year-old stabbed her again and again using several knives, as their children and Tracey's granddaughter sat in the car outside, hearing her cries for help.

Tracey, 42, who had been separated from Bacon since April, had been about to leave the property after picking up the children, when he asked her back inside and attacked her.

Neighbours heard her screams and called the police, who forced their way into the house after Bacon refused to open the door.

They found him calmly drinking a can of beer as Tracey lay wounded and bleeding. Paramedics fought to help her and she was taken to Poole Hospital, but later died.

Bacon pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court yesterday. He will serve at least 13 years without parole.

Detective Chief Inspector John Crossland, who led the investigation, said: "This was a brutal, callous and premeditated attack by Darrell Bacon - who showed little regard for the children at the scene and no remorse whatsoever for his actions through the interview process.

"I am pleased that he now admits his guilt by pleading at this early opportunity, thus sparing family and friends of Tracey further trauma through a long, drawn-out trial.

"The sympathy of the enquiry team goes out to Tracey's family and many friends and our thoughts are with them."

Tracey's heartbroken family paid tribute at the time to the "kind and bubbly" mum with a "lust for life".

Yesterday, her mother Anita said: "We're all so pleased - it's such a relief for us. She did suffer - the paramedics said they have never seen such terrible injuries. Even they were moved to tears. She fought for her life so hard."

She added: "She was my best friend, and she was such a good mum. She idolised her children.

"Nothing will bring her back, but we are all so pleased he's got at least 13 years."

Tracey's two youngest children and her granddaughter are now being cared for by her sister.