Electrician's Murder Denies Opportunity for Redemption

author: FutureCar Staff    

The family of Liam Smith, a father-of-two who was brutally murdered, has expressed their frustration at not being able to clear his name. Smith, 38, was shot in the face and then covered in acid after being lured outside his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on November 24 last year. His killers, Rachel Fulstow and her ex-partner Michael Hillier, accused him of rape in an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Rachel Fulstow, who had met Smith through the dating app Tinder three years prior, was found guilty of his murder and perverting the course of justice. She was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years. Hillier, who claimed to be seeking justice for Fulstow, was sentenced to at least 33 years for the murder. Smith's family expressed their anger towards the pair, shouting "monsters" as they were taken away.

In a statement outside the court, Smith's family emphasized his innocence and lamented that he was not given the opportunity to defend himself publicly. They said, "His name has been tainted throughout this trial and that wasn't him. It is not our Liam. He has been denied the chance to publicly clear his name."

Judge Maurice Greene, who presided over the case, described the murder as "brutal and cold-blooded." He addressed Fulstow directly, expressing disbelief at her actions and stating that whatever had occurred between her and Smith could never justify the violence they inflicted on him.

The court heard that Hillier, a cannabis dealer, drove to Smith's home and waited outside in a vehicle with fake number plates. He lured Smith out of the house and shot him with a modified shotgun before pouring acid and soda crystals over his body. Fulstow claimed to have been unaware of the attack until Hillier arrived at her house in York, but evidence showed that they went on a vacation together shortly after the murder.

Speaking about the case, Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand described the killing as "grotesquely violent" and meticulously planned by Fulstow and Hillier. She expressed her relief that the jury saw through their lies and deceit, leading to a lengthy prison sentence. Brennand also acknowledged the heartbreaking impact on Smith's family, who were unable to see him defend himself in court.

FutureCar Staff