Image

Man jailed for life for murder

Grimsby man who was found guilty yesterday of the murder of 47-year-old Shaun Lyall in Cleethorpes last year has today been jailed to life, with a minimum of 21 years, in prison.

Craig Whittle, 45, of Corporation Road in Grimsby was found guilty of murdering Mr Lyall who was found with multiple injuries at a house on Sidney Street on Tuesday 17 July 2018.

Whittle had pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice for providing a false statement in connection with Mr Lyall’s death, but not guilty to his murder.

He also faced charges in connection with an incident in Blackpool on Friday 13 July 2018. In relation to that, he pleaded guilty to affray, possession of a knife, and two counts of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply. He entered a not guilty plea to section 18 GBH.

Yesterday at Hull Crown Court the jury in the two and a half week trial unanimously found Craig Whittle guilty on all charges.

In court this morning, Judge Paul Watson QC sentenced Whittle to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years, describing the assault on Shaun Lyall as having all the “hallmarks of extreme violence” and it being a “ferocious and sustained attack, and a brutal and protracted crime of murder.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Dickinson said: “The sentencing of Craig Whittle brings to a close part of a lengthy investigation into Shaun Lyall’s death, which was a particularly brutal and unnecessary one.

“Shaun suffered horrendous injuries before he died in what was a sustained and deliberate attack. Craig Whittle has now been given life behind bars for the part he played in Shaun’s murder.

“I want to thank Shaun’s family for their strength and dignity throughout this trial, as they have had to hear horrific accounts of what happened on that day in July 2018.

“I hope this brings some closure to them, and that one person has been brought to account and found guilty for what happened to Shaun.

”I would also like to thank my officers who have worked tirelessly on this investigation, and for their hard work in bringing Craig Whittle before the court which has ultimately resulted in a life sentence for murder.”

Serena Lyall, Shaun Lyall’s mother, said: “What happened to Shaun will haunt me for the rest of my life and I feel appalled at the sickening depravity inflicted on my son. He did not deserve it.

“I could only dream that this day would come and it has. I know we could never bring Shaun back but I want to thank all the people that have brought me, my family and Shaun some closure and justice.

I want to thank the jury for dedicating their time away from their families and lives, to be part of my son’s trial. I understand that it may have been difficult and hard work but I want to express my deepest appreciation for doing this and reaching the verdict of guilty.

“I want thank Kama Melly QC for her expertise and providing the best prosecution for Shaun. And thank you to the witnesses who kindly and bravely spoke in defence of my son.

“Also I would like to thank the police for all the hard work they have done. DC Paula Barden, DC Nichola Oakley, and DCI Rebecca Dickinson have given me constant support and strength throughout this terrible time, working so hard to bring together a strong case and doing everything they could to bring Craig Whittle to justice.

“I know this isn’t the end of the road yet but because of these three officers, this murderer has been caught, tried and found guilty, and it has given me renewed hope that there will be no let-up in the enquiries to bring anyone involved in his death to justice, however long it takes.”

Humberside Police are still looking for a second man in connection with Shaun Lyall’s murder. Abdi Ali, 29, who is originally from Somalia has links to the Grimsby area, Sheffield, London, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Merseyside, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Lincolnshire, and Cleveland.

If you have any information about where he might be contact the police on 999 or 101 quoting log 517 of 17 July 2018. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.

Police advise not to approach him and call them in the first instance.

Contact Gi Grimsby
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation

administrator