Sir David Amess: Terrorist who murdered MP will never be released from prison

Ali Harbi Ali was earlier convicted of murder and preparing terrorist acts

The terrorist who murdered MP Sir David Amess at a constituency surgery last year has been sentenced to a whole-life prison term. Ali Harbi Ali was jailed at the Old Bailey on Wednesday after being convicted of murder and preparing terrorist acts on Monday. Ali stabbed Sir David to death in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October last year. The Tory MP for Southend West suffered more than 20 stab wounds in "an assassination for terrorist purposes", the court heard. Sir David, who was married and had four daughters and a son, was attacked while he held a regular Friday meeting with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church around midday. He had been the Conservative MP for Southend West since 1983. Related links:

• Tory MP Mark Francois gives tearful tribute to his best friend Sir David Amess
• Sir David Amess: Southend to get city status in honour of MP
• Sir David Amess: Suspect named as police hold him under Terrorism Act