A WOMAN was found "still warm" in the base of a bed after she was burned, beaten and strangled to death by her boyfriend, a court heard.

       Natasha Morais, 39, had only just got together with Shannon Grant, 27, after her previous boyfriend died in a car crash.

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       Natasha Morais was found dead in the base of a bed Credit: BPM

       Police were called to her home in Whetstone, Leicestershire, after her worried family received a text from her phone asking for ￡2,000, jurors heard.

       Natasha's mum had gone to the home and spoken to Grant through a window but he refused to let her in.

       A downstairs neighbour also heard screams and a thud coming from the flat, Leicester Crown Court was told.

       When officers arrived, they discovered Natasha naked and face down in the base of a bed with cable ties beside her body.

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       The court was told she had blood coming from her nose and ears, and had marks on her face, neck and arms.

       Prosecutor Paul Cavin KC said: "She was still warm to the touch."

       A post mortem showed Natasha had been strangled and suffered two burn marks on her arm.

       Jurors heard she also had "deep tissue injuries" to her head and face, as well as marks from where she been restrained.

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       Grant was later found by police at a friend's home with Natasha's bank card and watch, it was said.

       Officers also seized a shotgun and a crowbar with Natasha's blood on it, as well as a mental tool that matched the burns on her arms.

       Grant denies murder. The trial continues.

       How you can get help

       Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

       Always keep your phone nearby. Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine. If you are in danger, call 999. Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”. Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare. If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone. Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

       If you are a -victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support -service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.

       Women’s Aid provides a live chat service - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.

       You can also call the freephone 24-hour -National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.