POLICE have thanked witnesses for their help with the investigation into the murder of Oswestry woman Lauren Griffiths.

Madog Rowlands, of Wrexham, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday after he was found guilty of the murder in December.

The 23-year-old killed his fiancée, Ms Griffiths, 21, at their flat in Cathays, Cardiff.

He must serve a minimum of 18 years, minus the time he has already spent on remand.

Detective Inspector Stuart Wales, from South Wales Police Major Crime Investigation Team, praised the patience and dignity of Ms Griffiths’ family.

He said: “Lauren was a much-loved daughter and sister who had a bright and promising future.

“Her family have shown tremendous patience and dignity during this long and heart-breaking ordeal.

“We hope they can now begin to recover and rebuild their lives.

“Having murdered Lauren during the early hours of Monday, April 29 Madog Rowlands then waited more than 24 hours before calling 999.

“In this time, Rowlands took money from Lauren’s account, went shopping, bought and consumed a large quantity of drugs, ordered pizza, and set up a Netflix account, before eventually – perhaps realising the inevitability of the situation – calling 999.

“At no time, did he show any meaningful concern for Lauren’s welfare or dignity.

“We would like to thank all the witnesses who assisted the investigation, the community of Cathays, as well as the prosecution team.”

Ms Griffiths’ body was found at the flat in Glynrhondda Street at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

Rowlands denied murder, but following a unanimous decision by the jury at Newport Crown Court in December he was found guilty of murder.