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New “Bonnie & Clyde” sentenced for murder

A man and woman who brutally murdered a vulnerable friend before setting him on fire to dispose of the body will spend at least 28 years in jail.

William Vaill and Deborah Andrews were handed life sentences for killing Eamon Brady from Skelmersdale in a “brutal and sustained” attack.

Mr Brady was hit in the head with a claw hammer at least 17 times and repeatedly stabbed and slashed in the neck and body in the early hours of 21st July 2018.

Vaill, 37, and Andrews, 44, then wrapped Mr Brady’s body in bedding and set it on fire before stealing small items of property from the victim’s home.

The officer in charge of the investigation described the injuries suffered as among the worst he had seen in his career.

Andrews denied all involvement but covert recordings revealed that Andrews was “buzzing” about the murder and described the pair as the “new Bonnie and Clyde”.

Dan Thomas led by Stuart Denney Q.C. appeared for Vaill who pleaded guilty prior to the trial commencing. Andrews was convicted after a two-week trial.

Dan Thomas was instructed by Rod Hall of Forbes Solicitors.