Taxi driver given whole-life sentence for murder

Taxi driver Christopher Halliwell has been given a whole-life sentence for the murder of 20-year-old Becky Godden, who disappeared in 2003.

Halliwell, who was convicted on Monday, is already serving a life term for killing Sian O'Callaghan, who he abducted in his taxi as she made her way home from a night out in Swindon in March 2011.

He confessed to killing O'Callaghan and led police to her body before offering to show them "another one" and taking them to where he had buried missing prostitute Godden in January 2003.

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However, his second confession was initially ruled inadmissible because detectives had breached police guidelines on interviewing suspects.

Halliwell later denied murdering Godden, but was convicted following a two-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, at which he represented himself.

Sentencing him this morning, Sir John Griffiths Williams, said Halliwell's defence was a "cock and bull story" and told him he was "calculating and devious".

The judge added: "I have had the opportunity of observing you throughout the trial and listening to your evidence. I have no doubt that you are a self-centred and domineering individual who wants his own way."

Halliwell, a father of three, smirked at Godden's family when he was convicted and stood impassively in the dock during today's hearing, telling the judge: "Thank you," after sentencing before being taken away.