A DRUG addict and alcoholic who repeatedly stabbed his fiancée in a jealous rage after discovering she had cheated on him has been jailed for life for murder.

Keith Miller looked pale and clung to the rail of the dock as a judge said he would have to serve a minimum of 13 years before being considered for parole.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that 39-year-old Miller had looked after tragic Aids sufferer Tracey Hibbert for some time.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, told Miller: “This case is as much about human tragedy as it is about human wickedness.

“I accept that in spite of everything you loved her and you were both victims of a chaotic and miserable lifestyle, brought about by continued and chronic abuse of drugs and alcohol.”

The jury of seven women and five men was told that Miller, of Augusta Gardens, Folkestone, stabbed Miss Hibbert 17 times and then claimed it was a terrible accident.

She bled to death from one of the knife wounds that penetrated her chest and liver.

Miller launched the frenzied attack a few days after discovering that Miss Hibbert, who was 38, had a one-night stand.

John Price, prosecuting, said paramedics arrived to find Miss Hibbert lying on the floor of her flat in Dover Road, Folkestone, with stab wounds. Two knives were nearby. She was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Police officers saw that Miller was drunk. He was arrested and then taken to hospital in Canterbury for treatment to injuries he had.

In the meantime, Miss Hibbert died. When Miller was told he said: “I'm going to kill myself."

Mr Price said Miller had been anxious to conceal from the police that his fiancée had recently been unfaithful. “He knew and was very angry," he said.

Miller denied murder and manslaughter, but was unanimously convicted of the more serious charge after the jury deliberated for almost five-and-a-half hours.

Judge Patience said he entirely agreed with the verdict. “This case should be a warning to all who are ever tempted to experiment with drugs,” he told Miller.

“For all I have said, however unfaithful she was, she did not deserve to die,” he continued. “It was a wicked act and it must forever remain on your conscience.”