Andrea Waddell: murder trial verdict (4 June 2010)
by Helen G // 4 June 2010, 16:57
Breaking now; more to follow later: Neil McMillan has been found guilty of murdering Andrea Waddell and jailed for at least 22 years.
Via BBC News, Press Association and others:
A man has been found guilty of murdering a woman he visited for sex and setting fire to her Brighton flat.Neil McMillan, 42, applied "unremitting pressure" to Andrea Waddell's neck at her flat in Upper Lewes Road on 15 October last year.
[...]
Addressing McMillan, of Bennett Road, Brighton, after the verdict, Judge Michael Lawson QC said : "What you did that night brought to an end a life which in many views was one of relentless difficulty faced with extreme courage."
"The person you killed was a person who always sought to overcome difficulties."
"On the other hand, faced with a difficulty in that flat, whatever that was, you chose to take it out on her.
"You strangled her, with relentless pressure for over 20 seconds. There was the distinction between you and her."
And he added: "Once you lost control, for whatever reason and which cannot be regarded as justified, you formed the intention to destroy her, to kill her."
"It wasn't an accident and you continued to hold her round her neck, crushing the neck structures until she was dead."
"Having done that you then dragged her back into the bedroom and set fire to her and set fire to the bed on which together you had laid."
"The reason was that you were frightened that there would be some trace of your presence in that flat to prove that in fact you were the last person to have seen her."
[...]
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Cross-posted at Bird of Paradox
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Josie // Posted 05 June 2010 at 22:02
Good news, and thanks for the update f-word, haven't seen this anywhere else in the media. Hope this brings some comfort to her family. Feel sick at the thought of what she must have gone through in her last moments.
kizzy // Posted 06 June 2010 at 16:06
i knew andrea as I worked with her for 6mths.I am so relieved this animal has been convicted.She was a gentle and kind girl.i will always remember her.She had lots to cope with and never complained.R.I.P Andrea.x
Lynne Miles // Posted 06 June 2010 at 18:44
Thank God at least some sanity has prevailed. I hope this brings some comfort to Andrea's loved ones.
Joana Andrade // Posted 07 June 2010 at 10:49
I'm glad justice was made. I hope the veredict helps Andrea's family to get some closure
Alyson // Posted 10 June 2010 at 14:51
Andrea was there for me when I transitioned, years ago. She was amazing. I had no confidence and she was such a boost. We lost touch over the years and I always meant to contact her again.
Rest in peace, Andrea.