A grinning thug who brutally stabbed a mother-of-three to death in front of her friends on the street after she broke up with him faces life imprisonment

Grinning at the camera for his police mugshot, this was the smug pose adopted by a ‘violent coward’ who stabbed his ex-partner to death in broad daylight while he was out with friends.

Logan Burnett, 27, launched the frenzied attack after subjecting mother-of-three Courtney Mitchell, 26, to a campaign of harassment that included flooding her home.

Friends of Ms Mitchell told police she was jealous that Burnett had left her after an affair and wanted to rekindle the relationship.

He was due to appear in court but when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday he admitted the woman’s murder and possessing two knives.

The court heard how he chased Miss Mitchell before stabbing her multiple times in front of horrified friends and passers-by in Ipswich at 7.10pm on August 6.

When police arrived at the scene within minutes of the 999 call, they found him lying on the pavement fighting for his life with serious stab wounds. He died in Ipswich Hospital a short time later.

Friends said at the time that he had two sons, aged eight and one, and a daughter, four.

Burnett, who fled the scene, was immediately identified as a suspect and was arrested the next day at an address in the Suffolk town.

Logan Burnett, 27, pictured, launched the frenzied attack after subjecting mother-of-three Courtney Mitchell, 26, to a campaign of harassment that also led to her home being flooded.

Friends of Courtney Mitchell, 26, pictured, said she had two sons aged eight and one at the time and a daughter aged four.

When police arrived at the scene within minutes of the 999 call, they found him lying on the pavement fighting for his life with serious stab wounds. He died in Ipswich Hospital a short time later.

He was detained while looking defiantly at the camera while his passport photo was being taken.

After the court hearing, he was told that he would be sentenced in February next year.

Judge Martyn Levett told him: ‘The only sentence I can impose is life imprisonment.’

He added: ‘You have to anticipate a very long prison sentence.’

A friend said Burnett’s jealous campaign against his ex included destroying the water pipes in his home, causing widespread damage.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Nicola Wallace said after the hearing: ‘This was a completely senseless loss of life that left Courtney’s family devastated.

‘Logan Burnett is a brutal coward who murdered a defenseless woman in broad daylight in front of his friends and the public.

‘By pleading guilty Burnett at least spared Courtney’s family the additional trauma of a trial, but the pain and suffering caused by his actions that evening will live with them forever.’

Ms Mitchell’s family released a statement through Suffolk Police following the murder, saying: ‘Her infectious smile lit up any room and her laugh was the sweetest sound in our home. His kindness knew no bounds; He was always there for his family, friends and strangers.

‘He helped in every way possible; His empathy knew no bounds. He was fun, fierce, and fiercely loyal.

‘She was everyone’s daughter, granddaughter, mummy, sister, niece, aunt, cousin and best friend. He had time for everyone and would go above and beyond to help those in need, always offering support in any way possible.

‘Courtney was a wonderful mother to two beautiful sons and one beautiful daughter who loved her beyond measure.

‘We miss you and you are forever in our hearts and as a family we are completely devastated and broken. ‘There will always be a gap and there will always be a place reserved for you at the table.’

A moving tribute shared on Facebook by a friend of Courtney’s said: ‘I hope you find your peace. You were too good for this world and the monsters that lurk among us. ‘You were so loved by so many people.’

When Burnett first appeared before a judge charged with murder on June 9 this year, he admitted an unrelated charge of assault by beating an emergency worker in Ipswich. He was given one day of detention for this crime.

A family statement said: ‘Courtney was a wonderful mother to two beautiful sons and one beautiful daughter who loved her beyond measure.’

Burnett, who fled the scene, was immediately identified as the suspect. Picture: Police cordon after stabbing

Burnett was identified and arrested the next day at an address in the Suffolk town.

The attack on the female special police officer could not be reported before due to legal reasons.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said the attack, which did not result in any injuries, occurred after police were called to resolve a disturbance in a residential area.

Hearing shouts and screams from inside, the police knocked on the door of an apartment but did not receive any response.

Mr Ablett said officers became concerned about the occupant and forced their way in to check on their welfare.

He added: ‘Mr Burnett was in bed under the covers. ‘He did not know where the person inside was and officers attempted to contact him.’

Mr Ablett said Burnett kicked the special constable, making contact with his upper right leg.

He was handcuffed and repeatedly tried to bite the officer, but no contact was made before he was taken to the Police Investigation Center in Martlesham.

Mr Ablett said Burnett was due to appear in court on assault charges on the day of Ms Mitchell’s death but did not attend and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

David Allen, defending Burnett, said he should be commended for pleading guilty to the assault charge at the first opportunity.

He said: ‘He was uncomfortable in bed and woke up feeling a bit disoriented. ‘He kicks the police officer and makes contact, but there is no injury.’

Mr Allen said Burnett was thrown out while barefoot.

Judge John Beamish said: ‘We will take a pragmatic view, bearing in mind the fact that you will be remanded in custody at the crown court.

‘The penalty for assaulting an emergency worker is one day in prison.’

Mr Beamish did not seek any compensation or victim surcharge before taking him into custody on murder charges.