A killer who crushed his ex and burned her alive in a barrel has been sentenced to life behind bars.

The grim remains of student Pinar Gultekin, 27, were found in the barrel by passers-by with her body partially entombed in concrete, a court in Turkey heard.

Accused Cemal Metin Avci – a married father – killed Pinar because she rejected his attempts to woo her, prosecutors said.

Her body was found dumped in the town of Yerkesik, Mugla Province, on 21st July 2020, the court heard.

Acvi – who admitted the murder – was given an aggravated life sentence after appealing his 23-year prison sentence.

This means he will serve at least 36 years in prison before being eligible for release.

His brother Mertcan Avci was sentenced to four years in prison for “destroying, concealing and changing criminal evidence”.

Pinar’s parents, dad Siddik Gultekin and mother Sefika Gultekin, were present at the 4th Penal Chamber of the Izmir Regional Court of Justice for the sentencing.

The killer, who attended from prison via video link, claimed he did not plan the murder and regretted his actions.

The court found that he was guilty of “deliberately killing by designing and tormenting with a monstrous feeling”.

It overturned a ruling from a lower court that had recognised “unjust provocation” and had reduced his sentence for “good behaviour”.

Rezan Epozdemir, a lawyer for the Gultekin family, said that they were satisfied with the decision.

Epozdemir said: “Thank God, the court of appeal turned from this wrong and gave a precedent sentence that fulfilled justice.”

Pinar’s father Siddik Gultekin said: “Justice has been served, albeit late. A little cold water has been poured into our hearts today. Long live justice.”

And her mother Sefika said: “I will sleep comfortably today, even if it is late.”

Pinar – a campaigner against gender violence – was still alive when her ex-lover put her in a barrel, poured petrol over her and set her alight, according to forensic pathologists.

The victim’s family, however, say he was just a deranged stalker and was never close to their daughter.

Pinar went missing after she left her home in the neighbourhood of Akyaka in the town of Ula on 16th July 2020.

Her death resonated throughout Turkey, with even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan taking to Twitter at the time to comment: “I have no doubt that the murderer of Pinar Gultekin will receive the heaviest punishment he deserves.

“I will personally follow the case, and as the government of the Republic of Turkey we will do whatever is required to end the violence against women, which we do not want to ever happen again.

“I wish compassion to Pinar Gultekin, patience for her sorrowful family, friends and loved ones.”

Femicide is a growing problem in Turkey, particularly after the country officially quit the Istanbul Convention in July 2021.

According to data from the ‘Monument Counter’, which is “a digital memorial for women killed by violence” and is updated daily, 393 women were killed by men in 2022, while 52 femicides have taken place in Turkey so far this year.