The Brighton man charged with killing Andrea Waddell has been found guilty and jailed for a minimum of 22 years.
A jury at Lewes Crown Court convicted Neil McMillan, 41, of Bennett Road, Brighton, after hearing how he strangled Andrea in her flat in Upper Lewes Road, Brighton.
He went there on Thursday 15 October last year and strangled Andrea, 29, before setting fire to her property.
Neighbours called East Sussex Fire and Rescue at 11.38pm and CCTV footage shows McMillan in nearby Lewes Road very shortly after.
The court was also told how he stripped off his clothing after arriving back in Bennett Road – where he was renting a room – and placed it in the washing machine before showering.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, from Sussex Police Major Crime Branch, said: “Andrea was a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her and it was cruelly cut short.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at what is still a very difficult time.
“She was brutally killed in her own home by Neil McMillan, who then attempted to dispose of evidence by setting fire to her property and washing his clothing.
“He tried to cover his tracks to avoid being caught, but compelling CCTV footage together with evidence from witnesses means he is now serving a prison sentence for his terrible crime.
“His actions on the night of the killing and his subsequent interviews with police have been exposed as devious and deceitful.
“Due to the nature of Andrea’s work (as a prostitute), people were understandably reluctant to come forward to speak to police but they bravely did so.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we received from the local LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and sex worker communities.
“Without them, Andrea and her family would not have received the justice they deserve.”
