Caroline Gore, a beloved cleaner from Wigan, was known for her enthusiasm for Christmas, always ready with decorations by early October, as recalled by her daughter Megan.

Tragically, Caroline's last Christmas was cut short when she was murdered by her ex-partner, David Liptrot, in her flat at Douglas House on the Scholes estate. This horrific incident took place on the night of October 29, shortly after she purchased new decorations.

David Liptrot, aged 55, stabbed the 44-year-old mother and grandmother after lying in wait for her return. After the violent act, he stole her phone, which contained precious photos that can never be recovered.

Just weeks prior to Caroline's murder, Liptrot had violated a restraining order by contacting her. Instead of facing stringent consequences, he was released after receiving a suspended sentence, leading her family to believe that the justice system failed Caroline.

In response, the Manchester Evening News has initiated a campaign advocating for mandatory minimum prison sentences for breaches of protective orders.

Megan expressed her frustration over the inadequacy of restraining orders, stating, "They’re not taken seriously enough. How many other people need to die before someone does something?"

'She always saw the good in people'

Despite growing up with her grandmother, Megan shared a close bond with Caroline, who was known for her kindness and care. Although Caroline had mental health struggles, Megan wishes her mother to be remembered for her warmth and generosity.

"My mum had the biggest heart," Megan expressed. "She knew how to make you laugh even on the darker days and had a unique way of making every moment special."

Tragically, Megan never met Liptrot; however, she learned that friends had tried to persuade her mother to leave him. After she received a restraining order in 2022 for previous violence, Liptrot continued to attempt to reconnect with her.

On the evening of her death, the couple was seen at the Wheatsheaf pub. After a visible argument, Liptrot became agitated and ultimately followed Caroline back to her home.

Liptrot lay in wait until Caroline returned at 11:06 PM, and within 17 minutes, he had fatally stabbed her. Megan, upon visiting her mother’s flat weeks later, was devastated to find traces of the violence that occurred there.

Caroline was looking forward to starting a nursing course at university, driven by her desire to contribute positively to the world.

Megan wishes her mother to be remembered for her kindness and love, rather than the manner of her tragic death: "She was hardworking and a safe place for many people."

'The law failed her, it didn't keep her safe'

Megan attended every day of the murder trial and witnessed Liptrot being sentenced to 20 years. While it felt insufficient, she echoed the sentiment that "her life mattered to so many people." The justice system's failure to keep her mother safe remains a painful reality for Megan.

Wigan council has initiated a Domestic Abuse Related Death review into Caroline's case, aiming to derive insights that can prevent future tragedies and improve protection for victims.

The local authority supports the campaign for minimum jail terms for breaches of protective orders, which has garnered backing from several Greater Manchester MPs and domestic abuse charities.

In response to the campaign, a government spokesperson acknowledged the tragedy and emphasized efforts to bolster protections for victims of domestic abuse, including new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders expected to be piloted soon.