'Killed here' plaque for 'beautiful' woman murdered by ex-boyfriend

Elinor O'Brien was only 22 when her life was tragically taken by a man who professed his love for her. The "loyal" and "beautiful" young woman was fatally stabbed by her 45-year-old partner Kevin Mannion at his flat in the Great Northern Tower off Peter Street, Greater Manchester in August 2022.

The "violent monster" was given a life sentence at Liverpool Crown Court in March last year with a minimum term of 23 years after a jury convicted him of murder, wounding with intent and controlling and coercive behaviour. Elinor is now one of seven women killed in domestic homicides to be commemorated with a black and blue plaque at the site of their death.

The campaign, led by the organisation Killed Women, aims to draw attention to what they describe as 'outdated' sentencing laws for those murdered in the home. Each unique plaque will feature each woman's name, and their life span, followed by the words; 'killed here', the sentence handed down, and 'Murder is murder, change the law'.

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Killed Women founders Julie Devey and Carole Gould began campaigning for change following the brutal murders of their daughters, Poppy Devey Waterhouse, 24, and Ellie Gould, 17, by their ex-boyfriends. The organisation claims both women's killers received a starting tariff that was significantly less than if the women had been murdered outside of the home - meaning their murderers will serve less time in prison before being considered for parole, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Campaigners are urging the Labour government to honour previous Conservative commitments to reform sentencing guidelines so they reflect the severity of domestic murders. Elinor O'Brien's family hope that a new memorial plaque, unveiled over two years after her death, will further the cause for change by bringing attention to her case.

On the day the perpetrator faced justice at Liverpool Crown Court, Elinor's sister Lindsay paid a heartfelt tribute to her. She said: "A great big gaping hole has been left in our hearts. Our Elli was the most loyal and beautiful young lady to walk this earth.

"She was funny, outspoken, stubborn but most of all courageous. She had the most infectious laugh and the brightest smile that could light up any mood, and with that also came the best resting bit** face, which we could never take seriously! ".

"Elli was loved by everyone anywhere she went. She had the purest heart and would do anything for anyone. It still hurts every day knowing that you are gone. We never got to say goodbye, we never got to tell you how much we love you.

"Your whole life was robbed, our hearts are broken. But your memory will live on forever, I promise you that my girl. So until we meet again please keep watching over us and help me guide my girls. I love you Ells forever and always. Now I know the reason and meaning of our matching tattoos #togetherforeverneverapart.

"No amount of justice will make up for your life that was cowardly taken, but we can rest assured he will never hurt another woman."