A man who murdered a police officer based in Westminster in a crime described as "cannibalism" has been sentenced to life behind bars.

Stefano Brizzi was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday (December 12) to life in jail, and will serve a minimum of 24 years.

Gordon Semple, 59, was found in the bathroom of a south London flat in bin bags containing his body parts after he was murdered six days earlier.

Mr Semple was strangled by Stefano Brizzi, 50, after the pair had agreed to meet at Brizzi's flat in Southwark on April 1.

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The victim was a police constable with Metropolitan police based in the Westminster Antisocial Behaviour Team, and had been an officer for more than 30 years.

Brizzi was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on November 14.

Commenting on the sentencing, commander Nick Downing from the Metropolitan police said: "Today, my heart goes out to Gordon's partner, family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. They have my deepest sympathy; his loss continues to be acutely felt.

"Brizzi has shown no remorse for his actions, since the time of his arrest and throughout his trial. With today's sentence a dangerous man, whose cold calculated actions were deeply disturbing, is behind bars."

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Brizzi was previously described as Breaking Bad fan and Mr Semple's DNA was found in Brizzi's oven, on a chopping board and chopsticks.

On April 1 Mr Semple had been on duty and had been at a meeting in London Bridge, when just after 2pm he arranged to meet Brizzi for sex.

Mr Semple was reported missing the following day by his partner, and the Homicide and Major Crime Command began investigating on Thursday April 7.

The next day, neighbours at Brizzi's home in the Peabody Estate, Southwark, called the police because of the vile stench coming from the flat.

When officers arrived at the scene they found bottles of chemicals scattered on the floor and found Mr Semple's body.

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Brizzi was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Investigations found that both Mr Semple and Brizzi used Grindr to meet men for sex and drug use.

Brizzi had been awake all night and had been taking drugs when Mr Semple agreed to meet him.

In evidence the prosecution outlined that Brizzi's motive was unclear, but he told one of the responding officers that despite not knowing him he simply did not like Gordon.

A statement on behalf of the family of Mr Semple read: "Gordon continues to be sadly missed by our family. Gordon we miss you so much, may you rest in peace.

"Gordon was a loyal and much loved long term partner, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to all.

"We were devastated when the news broke of Gordon's murder and the circumstances which are still incredibly hard to deal with. It is still insurmountably upsetting. Nothing takes away the pain of our loss.

"At Gordon's funeral we met many of his friends and work colleagues - we were proud to hear how fondly they thought of Gordon".

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