THE sister of a woman who was stabbed more than 170 times by her ex-partner said her family’s life has been changed forever.

Suzanne Brown, 33 died in her home in Mountbatten Court, in Mountbatten Road, Braintree after her partner, Jake Neate, 37, stabbed her 173 times.

Today, in his absence, Neate was committed to indefinite treatment for his mental health after a trial of fact ruled he had killed Ms Brown.

Ms Brown’s sister, Rebecca Foskett addressed Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 18 January to pay tribute to her sister, who she described as her “rock”.

Mrs Foskett said: “Suzanne was always there with a smile and she has always had time for everyone she knew.

“Sue had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh and tears would roll down her cheeks as she laughed.

“My whole world has been changed forever.

“Sue was a huge part of my life.

“My parents and two brothers have also been devastated by this, they still refuse to speak about it and they still refuse to accept it.

“My parents have bother suffered so much stress and anxiety as a result of the trial and it has put huge strain on them.

“None of my family wish to have any contact with Jake Neate in the future, we ask the court put in place measures to make sure no one has to go through what our family have to go through again.”

Neate has been undergoing treatment at Rampton Hospital, near Doncaster, throughout the trial.

Dr Christopher Clark, who is responsible for Neate’s care said his condition has not improved since he was ruled unfit to plea.

Allan Compton, prosecuting told HH Judge Gratwicke: “A hospital order is the only realistic option.

“The most suitable way of resolving this case is through a hospital order.”

Neate suffers with paranoid schizophrenia and has been regarded as a “serious risk” to the public following the “frenzied” attack, which has left Ms Brown’s family and the officers that tried to save her traumatised.

Dr Clark said it is not known when Neate’s mental health will improve, and treatment could take “months or years”.

Judge Gratwicke said: “This was without doubt a frenzied and awful killing.

“I make no observation as to the circumstances prior to the killing, that is for others to consider, but I need to totally understand the effect the killing of Suzanne Brown had on her family, who have been left with a devastating hole.

“Over the years to come, not matter the passing of time, there will always be that hole.

“I acknowledge that in my sentencing of Jake Neate, I should also say although it was addressed in the course of the trial, the effect of finding Suzanne Brown for those police officers is quite clear to me, they also will live with that memory for a very long time.”