A KILLER who suffocated his “kind” ex-girlfriend by wrapping tape around her face before fleeing has been caged for life.

Norbert Maiksner, 49, murdered Frances Obiefuleh, 45, inside her home in Havant, Hampshire, on the evening of April 16 last year.

The brute then fled the scene, but was caught after being spotted wandering along the hard shoulder of the M40 near High Wycombe the next morning.

When a copper stopped to help, Maiksner chillingly asked for police to be called and admitted he had killed his partner and even gave officers her address.

He has now been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 24 years – reduced to 23 years and 22 days to account for time already served.

A court heard how Maiksner suffocated Frances by obstructing her airway, with a post-mortem confirming she died after being smothered.

Horrifying DNA evidence also revealed the mum fought desperately for her life as she was attacked.

Prosecutors said scratches found on Maiksner’s body were likely inflicted by Frances in her final moments as she tried to defend herself.

Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs coming from the house at around 10pm on the night of the killing, while CCTV helped piece together the killer’s movements before and after the attack.

Maiksner was convicted of murder and also child cruelty following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.

During police interviews, he refused to answer questions about Frances’ death – despite his earlier confession at the roadside.

It also emerged Frances had confided in a man she met on a dating app that Maiksner could be verbally abusive.

Jane Rahman, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Frances Obiefuleh’s life was taken in the place she should have felt safest – her own home.

“A family has now been left heartbroken following a senseless act of violence at the hands of her ex-partner.

“Norbert Maiksner was found guilty after our prosecutors worked with police to provide the jury with a clear timeline of events.

“Our thoughts today are with Frances Obiefuleh’s family who have been subjected to an unimaginable tragedy.

“We will continue to pursue the most serious charges that reflect the evidence in cases of domestic homicide in order to secure justice for victims.”

Prosecutors built a “compelling case” using CCTV, medical and forensic evidence to prove beyond doubt that Maiksner carried out the killing.

Frances’ devastated family previously paid tribute to the “devoted mother”, describing her as “kind, intelligent, and resourceful”.

They said: “Someone we love has been cruelly taken from us, and it has changed our lives forever.

“We have lost a truly beautiful soul.”