Natalie Jarvis murder: Boyfriend Adam Whelehan jailed for life 25 April 2013 Last updated at 13:29 A man who stabbed his girlfriend 19 times in the neck in order to end their relationship has been sentenced to life in prison. Adam Whelehan, from Sidcup, was convicted on Wednesday of murdering Natalie Jarvis, 24, on 3 October 2012 by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court. He told the court he was acting in self-defence when he killed Ms Jarvis in Swanley Village Road, Swanley, Kent. Whelehan, 23, was ordered to serve a minimum of 26 years in prison. The prosecution in the four-week trial told the court Whelehan spent weeks plotting the murder. Ms Jarvis's family said no sentence would be long enough. "We cannot get our beloved Natalie back," they said in a statement issued after the hearing. Our hearts have been shattered and can never be mended. Our family has been horrifically ripped apart by the senseless, savage slaughter of the most loving sister and daughter anyone could ask for. Natalie was the most amazing person anyone could wish to meet. Her smile and laughter were infectious and the love she had for life, and everyone in her life, was overwhelming. Whelehan's co-defendant in the trial, Thomas Fuller, 23, of Oakley Drive, Eltham, was cleared by the jury of murder. Kent Police said Whelehan, of Roseberry Avenue, had driven to Swanley to meet Ms Jarvis with Mr Fuller in the boot of his car. After killing her, Whelehan returned to the car and told Mr Fuller to drive away. Whelehan handed himself in at a police station three and a half hours later. Ms Jarvis was found at the side of the road bleeding from the head and neck and was declared dead at the scene.