This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/7063965.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Man jailed for 'sadistic' murder | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A 27-year-old man who was part of a gang that tortured to death a drugs smuggler has been jailed for life. | |
Otis Matthews, of Stretford in Greater Manchester, was found guilty of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm. | Otis Matthews, of Stretford in Greater Manchester, was found guilty of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm. |
He helped whip, burn and mutilate Brian Waters, 43, in front of the man's wife and two grown-up children at their Cheshire farm in June 2003. | He helped whip, burn and mutilate Brian Waters, 43, in front of the man's wife and two grown-up children at their Cheshire farm in June 2003. |
The murder was called "exceptionally sadistic" by the judge, who told Matthews to serve at least 22 years. | |
Liverpool Crown Court heard how Matthews, John Wilson, 56, and James Raven, 46, tied the victim to a chair and battered him while his family watched. | Liverpool Crown Court heard how Matthews, John Wilson, 56, and James Raven, 46, tied the victim to a chair and battered him while his family watched. |
In 2004 Wilson and Raven were both convicted of murder and of plotting grievous bodily harm and were jailed for life at Chester Crown Court, with a recommendation they serve at least 24 years. | In 2004 Wilson and Raven were both convicted of murder and of plotting grievous bodily harm and were jailed for life at Chester Crown Court, with a recommendation they serve at least 24 years. |
During his three-hour ordeal Mr Waters was whipped, burned and attacked with a staple gun on his head. | During his three-hour ordeal Mr Waters was whipped, burned and attacked with a staple gun on his head. |
No remorse | No remorse |
He was then hung upside down before being beaten with an iron bar, which was also used to sexually assaulted him. | He was then hung upside down before being beaten with an iron bar, which was also used to sexually assaulted him. |
In all he sustained 123 injuries including 24 fractures to his ribs, a collapsed lung, a throat injury and burns to his back. | In all he sustained 123 injuries including 24 fractures to his ribs, a collapsed lung, a throat injury and burns to his back. |
Sentencing Matthews, Mrs Justice Cox said it had been an "exceptionally sadistic murder committed for gain". | Sentencing Matthews, Mrs Justice Cox said it had been an "exceptionally sadistic murder committed for gain". |
Brian Waters suffered a total of 123 external injuries | Brian Waters suffered a total of 123 external injuries |
"Multiple injuries were inflicted over the course of death and accompanied by acts of humiliation and degradation." | "Multiple injuries were inflicted over the course of death and accompanied by acts of humiliation and degradation." |
She said Matthews had shown "no remorse or contrition" during the court proceedings. | She said Matthews had shown "no remorse or contrition" during the court proceedings. |
During his original trial in the summer of 2004 the jury could not reach a decision and Matthews was freed. | During his original trial in the summer of 2004 the jury could not reach a decision and Matthews was freed. |
He was retried in November 2004, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. | He was retried in November 2004, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. |
But an appeal was upheld and he faced another jury at Chester Crown Court in June 2007. Again, jurors were unable to reach a decision. | But an appeal was upheld and he faced another jury at Chester Crown Court in June 2007. Again, jurors were unable to reach a decision. |
Speaking after the hearing, Det Supt Phil Jones, of Cheshire Police, said that a £30,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the conviction of anyone else involved in the attack. | Speaking after the hearing, Det Supt Phil Jones, of Cheshire Police, said that a £30,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the conviction of anyone else involved in the attack. |
One man wanted in connection with the murder is Christopher More junior, 29, who has a scar across the bridge of his nose. An international arrest warrant has been issued for him. | One man wanted in connection with the murder is Christopher More junior, 29, who has a scar across the bridge of his nose. An international arrest warrant has been issued for him. |
Previous version
1
Next version