An Iraq war veteran has been jailed for life after stabbing a Britain's Got Talent finalist to death in a violent rage.

Desmond Sylva, 41, knifed his on-off girlfriend Simonne Kerr, 31, more than 70 times at his flat in Clapham on August 15 last year.

The former soldier, who served in Iraq and Kosovo, admitted manslaughter but denied murder, citing depression.

Sentencing Sylva at the Old Bailey after he was convicted of murder, Judge Wendy Joseph QC handed him a term of life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years.

Judge Joseph said Sylva carried out a "sustained and ferocious attack", adding: "There is only one sentence and that is life imprisonment."

The judge said: "You will never be released unless and until the Parole Board permits it.

"The board will not permit it until you are no longer a danger to the public."

Due to time served on remand, she told Sylva he will be able to apply for parole in 20 years and 45 days.

Judge Joseph told Sylva: "What you have done and the grief it has caused, and will continue to cause far into the future, is immeasurable."

She said: "Simonne was simply a lovely person much loved by her family."

The judge added: "Simonne was in your home undressed and in your bed and was about as vulnerable as a person can be."

She said it was clear that Sylva has a "dreadful and ungovernable" temper, adding: "You killed Simonne Kerr because you are a man of violent disposition prone to outbursts of violent temper."