A MORRISONS worker has been jailed for life for murdering his love rival in a "bestial" attack after learning on Facebook that his girlfriend had cheated on him.

The judge sentencing Robert Lyn to at least 26 years behind bars at Bradford Crown Court yesterday attacked the "pernicious" effect of the social media site.

Lyn, 45, was on the bus home from his agency job at the supermarket giant's head office in Gain Lane, Thornbury, Bradford, when he found out that Stephanie Slade had spent the night with Daniel Campbell, the court heard.

He exploded into a jealous rage after Mr Campbell's furious girlfriend, Victoria Sugden, posted the news on Facebook.

Lyne bought a bottle of brandy and a pack of chef's knives, prosecutor Peter Moulson QC told the court.

He looked "possessed" when he asked which was Mr Campbell's flat, in Elizabeth Street, Elland, saying he was "trying to surprise Danny."

Lyn battered down the door with a concrete plant holder and brutally murdered Mr Campbell as he slept in his bed on the evening of July 18.

Mr Campbell, 38, was stabbed 20 times to the neck and stomach.

Bearded and bespectacled Lyn, who wore a smart dark suit and matching tie, sat in the secure dock with his head in his hands as details of the horrific injuries were read out.

Miss Slade came out of the bathroom at the flat to see Lyn holding a large knife and looking "mad and angry".

He told her: "How do you like your boyfriend now?"

Lyn, of Huntingdon Avenue, Bradley, Huddersfield, was arrested shortly afterwards. His clothing and hands were bloodstained and he smelled strongly of drink.

He told officers: "Is he dead yet? What would you do if you caught your girlfriend cheating on you?"

Lyn had previous convictions for robbery, assaulting a police officer, a public order offence, having a knife in a public place and racially aggravated harassment.

Jailing him, Mr Justice Coulson told him: "The attack was bestial in its violence and you compounded it further by inviting Miss Slade to see what you had done," he said.

The judge said Lyn learned on Facebook that Miss Slade and Mr Campbell had spent the night together.

"Miss Sugden reacted with fury. She sent text messages to a number of her friends and then posted entries about what had happened on Facebook. Her decision to tell the world without first speaking to any of those involved seems on any view particularly thoughtless. It highlights the pernicious effect of Facebook."

Lyn looked dazed and held his hand to his face as he was led off to the cells.

After the case, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Snow, of Protective Services (Crime), said: "Lyn's brutal attack was fuelled solely by jealousy. He subjected Daniel to a violent, sustained and savage attack while he lay in his bed, for which he has shown no remorse. The events of that evening have without doubt had a significant and profound effect on Daniel’s family.

“Robert Lyn is a dangerous individual who, today, has been sentenced to spend his life in prison for this brutal attack. I hope that today’s sentence can bring some small comfort to the family of Daniel, who hopefully one day can start to rebuild their lives."