A suicidal psychology lecturer, who lived rough in Brighton after brutally killing a young colleague to have a "friend in the afterlife", has been jailed for life.

Steven Reid, 34, who had spent years consumed by loneliness and depression, mercilessly battered Elizabeth Stacey, 24, about the head with a rolling pin bought especially for the purpose.

Seven blows later, the "brilliant" psychology laboratory technician, who had everything to live for, lay dying from numerous skull fractures and extensive facial injuries, London's Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court heard.

She was left moaning in pain as the man she had trusted turned the light out, locked the door and left her to drown in her own blood.

By the time her body was discovered the next day in the little-used Westminster University research facility he had carefully chosen for the killing, Edinburgh-born Reid had attempted suicide in a bid to join her.

When a second attempt failed, he went on the run.

Reid, of Gloucester Terrace, Marylebone, London, who was quickly identified as the main suspect, was arrested one-and-a-half weeks later in Brighton after BBC's Crimewatch publicised the hunt for him.

Two months ago, he was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Passing sentence, Judge Fabyan Evans told the emotionless killer: "This was a deliberate and planned killing.

"The tragic circumstances of this case have left the whole academic community perplexed.

"The ferocity of your actions provided a massive and unexpected shock to your colleagues and those who knew Elizabeth Stacey.

"Some doctors are of the view that there is a risk that you could kill again.

"Others are more circumspect and say the risk cannot be ruled out."