THE family of a mum-of-five who was stabbed to death expressed their heartbreak in statements read out in court at the sentencing of her killer. 

Rachel Evans, 46, was horrifically murdered by Carl Harrison at his home on Hignett Avenue, Parr on March 10, where she suffered more than 100 stab wounds.

Harrison, 47, was jailed for life at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Friday, and he will be behind bars for a minimum of 18 years.

Victim impact statements from members of Rachel's family were read out in court by prosecutor, Ian Unsworth QC.

Two of them were from her sons, Daniel and Jamie.

The statement of Rachel's eldest son, Daniel, described the life-changing moment that he received a phone call from a family member about his mum's death.

He also thought about ways he could have tried to avoid her mum being killed.

Daniel's statement said: "I did not want to believe it was my mum.

"I felt like 'I have failed her'.

"I blame myself for not being there to protect my mum."

Jamie has been left "devastated" after his mum's death and has been struggling to sleep and getting back to a life of "normality".

His statement said: "I never thought I would have to bury my mum at such a young age.

"I loved spending time with my mum. I would go and talk to her about anything and everything.

"She was such a great help to me when I needed it."

READ > Man stabbed or slashed mum-of-five more than 100 times

Rachel's sisters Joanne Lunt and Anne-Marie Farrar made their feelings clear in their statements as well. 

Joanne's statement read: "The death of Rachel had had a huge impact on my life.

"All I think about is how cruelly she was taken.

"We are still grieving for our parents. Our mum died in 2016 and dad died last year. My dad was very proud of Rachel.

"My life will never be the same again.

"No amount of time will ever heal our hearts from the loss of Rachel."

Rachel's sister Anne-Marie Farrar was left asking herself "could I have done something to help?"

She acknowledged that Harrison was "totally sorry for what he has done" but that her family "no longer have Rachel and all the future possible building of relationships".

Anne-Marie added that when her relationship with Harrison started that she became "isolated" from her family.