17-year-old  Reuben Brathwaite has been sentenced to a minimum of 15-years in jail today (Friday) for the murder of his step mother, Fiona Scourfield, with an axe and a samuri sword.

Dog rescue volunteer, Ms Scourfield, was killed at her home near Laugharne on March 6.

Mr Justice Picken, at Swansea Crown Court, handed down a life sentence and said the teen would be detained at her majesty's pleasure because of his age.

Brathwaite admitted murdering Ms Scourfield, aged 54, with an axe and a samurai sword when he appeared before Judge Keith Thomas on July 2.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow two psychiatrists to prepared reports on the youth. He was remanded in custody meanwhile.

Tributes were paid to 54-year-old Fiona, who was also known as Suzi Wales, after her death.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police her family said: “Fiona was a loving and caring person, who will be remembered for her kindness, especially her kindness to animals.

“As an active member of the German Shepherd rescue Fiona spent her time rescuing and rehoming dogs.

“Fiona was a talented ceramicist.”

Colleagues of Ms Scourfield at UK German Shepherd Rescue paid tribute to her tireless work to “make the world a better place for animals” in a Facebook post.

Director and Trustee at UK German Shepherd Rescue Suzanne Syers said: “To say the rescue is devastated would be a massive understatement. Suzi was one of our longest standing members who supported the rescue wholeheartedly. Her UK-GSR dog Bruno was her absolute world.

“Suzi worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for animals & her loss is a huge loss not only to us but to animals worldwide.

“She spent many weekends braving all kinds of weathers fundraising and raising awareness in the South Wales area and could always be relied upon to help any dog in need."

The judge, Mr Justice Picken, lifted reporting restrictions on naming Brathwaite, who was16 at the time of the killing but is now 17, after sentencing him to a minimum of 15 years in custody.