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Dinner party mass killer fails to get sentence reduced
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| George Stephenson in 1986 |
IT WAS one of the most
shocking crimes committed
in Hampshire.
A dinner party ended in horror
when handyman George
Stephenson massacred the family
who had sacked him three
weeks earlier.
Five people were murdered at
Burgate House, Fordingbridge,
in September 1986 in a crime
that shocked the nation.
The victims were Joseph and
Hilda Cleaver, both 82, their son
Thomas, 47, his wife Wendy, 46,
and live-in nurse Margaret
Murphy, 70.
All five were bound and
gagged by Stephenson and his
two accomplices.
Wendy Cleaver was tortured
and repeatedly raped before
being strangled. The other four
burned to death after being
soaked in petrol and set alight.
Yesterday, Stephenson failed in
a High Court bid to have his
minimum jail term reduced by
ten years.
Stephenson was found guilty
in October 1987 of murdering
Mr and Mrs Cleaver, their son
andMrsMurphy. He was cleared
of murdering Wendy Cleaver
but one of his co-defendants was
convicted of the killing.
The trial judge ruled that
Stephenson should serve 25
years before being considered
for parole.
In May 2001 the tariff was
increased to 35 years by then
Home Secretary Jack Straw. His
decision was upheld yesterday
by Mr Justice Tugendhat, who
rejected arguments by
Stephenson's legal team that the
figure should revert to 25 years.
The judge described the murders
as "sadistic", adding that
three of Stephenson's victims
were vulnerable because of
their age and disability.
Yesterday's ruling means the
convicted killer can ask the
Parole Board to free him in 2021.
However, he will be released
only if the board considers it
safe to do so. He will then
remain on perpetual "life
licence" and will be sent back to
prison immediately if he puts a
foot wrong.
Stephenson and his co-defendants
- brothers George and
John Daly - were convicted after
a three-week trial.
The court heard that the
Cleavers had sacked Stephenson
in August 1986 for beating his
wife. He subsequently hatched a
plot to steal guns and ammunition
from Burgate House and
use them in a wages snatch in
Nuneaton.
Armed with a gun and pickaxe
handles, Stephenson and his
accomplices burst into the
house while the Cleavers and
Mrs Murphy were having dinner.
The terrified victims were
forced upstairs where they were
bound and gagged.
After the murder of Wendy
Cleaver, the gang killed the
other four victims by dousing
them in petrol and setting them
alight.
Stephenson was sentenced to
six life sentences for murder,
rape and robbery, and John Daly
was handed seven life sentences
after being convicted of the
same offences. George Daly was
cleared of murder but sentenced
to 22 years for rape, robbery and
manslaughter.
No one wanted to buy Burgate
House in the wake of the horrific
crimes committed there and
the house of horror was eventually
demolished.
10:43am Saturday 17th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Sickened, soton on 10:56am Sat 17 May 08
This inadequate waste of space should never be considered for parole. Why the hell should it get a chance of freedom when it took the freedom and life of those poor people.
All they did was sack it, wacko obviously didn't like that and thought that, along with it's other waste of space pals, that it was acceptable to torture, rape, and murder people.
Ooh, what a toughguy, hope he's been repeatedly raped and tortured in jail.
This inadequate waste of space should never be considered for parole. Why the hell should it get a chance of freedom when it took the freedom and life of those poor people.
All they did was sack it, wacko obviously didn't like that and thought that, along with it's other waste of space pals, that it was acceptable to torture, rape, and murder people.
Ooh, what a toughguy, hope he's been repeatedly raped and tortured in jail.
Posted by: Dawn, Southampton on 12:23pm Sat 17 May 08
Why would someone who is obviously inherently be considered for parole? [bold]Ever?! [/bold] Someone who is capable of such sickening crimes doesn't deserve parole. This wasn't just a theft from a sweet shop! Leave him to rot.
Why would someone who is obviously inherently be considered for parole?
Ever?! Someone who is capable of such sickening crimes doesn't deserve parole. This wasn't just a theft from a sweet shop! Leave him to rot.
Posted by: Anna, southampton on 12:30pm Sat 17 May 08
Yes quite sgree, But dont waste any more time thinking of this creature, let him rot
Yes quite sgree, But dont waste any more time thinking of this creature, let him rot
Posted by: The Star Chamber on 12:38pm Sat 17 May 08
"However, he will be released only if the board considers it safe to do so"
It is difficult to see how the board could ever consider it safe.
Given that, it would make economic sense just to terminate this waste of space now. We really do need a show on BBC1 on a Saturday (just after Dr. Who) where we can collectively vote and terminate such pondlife. Great viewing figures assured.
"However, he will be released only if the board considers it safe to do so"
It is difficult to see how the board could ever consider it safe.
Given that, it would make economic sense just to terminate this waste of space now. We really do need a show on BBC1 on a Saturday (just after Dr. Who) where we can collectively vote and terminate such pondlife. Great viewing figures assured.
Posted by: Bill, DeSoto MO USA on 2:39pm Sat 17 May 08
I concur with all the above statements.
I concur with all the above statements.
Posted by: judge mental, southampton on 2:46pm Sat 17 May 08
these murders were amongst the most chilling this country has ever suffered,why not buy somee rope and do whats right?[bold]bold[/bold]
these murders were amongst the most chilling this country has ever suffered,why not buy somee rope and do whats right?
Posted by: Sceptic, Waterside on 3:34pm Sat 17 May 08
Give him a lethal injection and put the collasal cost of keeping him towards ill children in hospital. Capital punishment probably isn't a deterent...but who can honestly read this story and think that this monster should be kept alive?
Give him a lethal injection and put the collasal cost of keeping him towards ill children in hospital. Capital punishment probably isn't a deterent...but who can honestly read this story and think that this monster should be kept alive?
Posted by: Mr Rapist, 10 bedroom mansion paid for by taxpayers on 5:39pm Sat 17 May 08
25 Is not bad for mass murder of loads of people. I would say Vote Labour but they werent in power.
25 Is not bad for mass murder of loads of people. I would say Vote Labour but they werent in power.
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 6:19pm Sat 17 May 08
I read that Peter Sutcliffe wants out and I expect in time Ian Huntley and Steve Wright will as well. No doubt Cherie will represent them at the taxpayers expense whilst we are at risk from killers.
I read that Peter Sutcliffe wants out and I expect in time Ian Huntley and Steve Wright will as well. No doubt Cherie will represent them at the taxpayers expense whilst we are at risk from killers.
Posted by: Anon, Eastleigh on 7:19pm Sat 17 May 08
If the parole board ever grants him release, let's hope they are willing to take him into one of their own homes as a lodger.
If the parole board ever grants him release, let's hope they are willing to take him into one of their own homes as a lodger.
Posted by: Agent Smith, The Matrix on 7:55pm Sat 17 May 08
Instead of my tax pound paying for this cockroach to watch sky tv, play pool and get 3 square meals a day would make far more sense for the government to put my tax pound to better use and purchase a single bullet to unleash between this twats eyes and a mop and bucket to clean up the mess after, you would have no shortage of people wanting to pull the trigger, we could even have a national lottery to see who wins that prize thus generating more income and maybe the deficit could help reduce fuel costs. everyones a winner!!!! whos with me
Instead of my tax pound paying for this cockroach to watch sky tv, play pool and get 3 square meals a day would make far more sense for the government to put my tax pound to better use and purchase a single bullet to unleash between this twats eyes and a mop and bucket to clean up the mess after, you would have no shortage of people wanting to pull the trigger, we could even have a national lottery to see who wins that prize thus generating more income and maybe the deficit could help reduce fuel costs. everyones a winner!!!! whos with me
Posted by: Fred on 10:03pm Sat 17 May 08
[quote][bold]Agent Smith[/bold] wrote:
Instead of my tax pound paying for this cockroach to watch sky tv, play pool and get 3 square meals a day would make far more sense for the government to put my tax pound to better use and purchase a single bullet to unleash between this twats eyes and a mop and bucket to clean up the mess after, you would have no shortage of people wanting to pull the trigger, we could even have a national lottery to see who wins that prize thus generating more income and maybe the deficit could help reduce fuel costs. everyones a winner!!!! whos with me[/quote] Often when the debate about capital punishment comes up the question arises who will press the button.
I for one would have no problem taking the job - I have no God to answer to either.
Agent Smith wrote:
Instead of my tax pound paying for this cockroach to watch sky tv, play pool and get 3 square meals a day would make far more sense for the government to put my tax pound to better use and purchase a single bullet to unleash between this twats eyes and a mop and bucket to clean up the mess after, you would have no shortage of people wanting to pull the trigger, we could even have a national lottery to see who wins that prize thus generating more income and maybe the deficit could help reduce fuel costs. everyones a winner!!!! whos with me
Often when the debate about capital punishment comes up the question arises who will press the button.
I for one would have no problem taking the job - I have no God to answer to either.
Posted by: Adrian Smith on 10:08pm Sat 17 May 08
[quote][bold]Anon[/bold] wrote:
If the parole board ever grants him release, let's hope they are willing to take him into one of their own homes as a lodger.[/quote] That should always be the test when releasing someone - would you have them in your house for a month?
Anon wrote:
If the parole board ever grants him release, let's hope they are willing to take him into one of their own homes as a lodger.
That should always be the test when releasing someone - would you have them in your house for a month?
Posted by: Andrew, Southampton on 10:42am Sun 18 May 08
Just stop feeding him
Waste of taxayers money
Just stop feeding him
Waste of taxayers money
Posted by: K, Winchester on 11:20am Sun 18 May 08
[quote][bold]The Star Chamber[/bold] wrote:
"However, he will be released only if the board considers it safe to do so" It is difficult to see how the board could ever consider it safe. Given that, it would make economic sense just to terminate this waste of space now. We really do need a show on BBC1 on a Saturday (just after Dr. Who) where we can collectively vote and terminate such pondlife. Great viewing figures assured.[/quote] Ha ha. Genius!
I have never voted on reality TV shows, but for this I would make an exception.
The Star Chamber wrote:
"However, he will be released only if the board considers it safe to do so" It is difficult to see how the board could ever consider it safe. Given that, it would make economic sense just to terminate this waste of space now. We really do need a show on BBC1 on a Saturday (just after Dr. Who) where we can collectively vote and terminate such pondlife. Great viewing figures assured.
Ha ha. Genius!
I have never voted on reality TV shows, but for this I would make an exception.
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 3:22pm Sun 18 May 08
Why cant a blind eye be turned and let this sub-human slimeball follow in the footsteps of Messrs West, Shipman and co?
This 'Clockwork Orange' type crime still sends a shudder down the spine after all these years.
Trouble is - loads more have been happening and will continue.
D a m n all liberal do-gooders and scum-lawyers who make money off the backs of these slimeballs
Why cant a blind eye be turned and let this sub-human slimeball follow in the footsteps of Messrs West, Shipman and co?
This 'Clockwork Orange' type crime still sends a shudder down the spine after all these years.
Trouble is - loads more have been happening and will continue.
D a m n all liberal do-gooders and scum-lawyers who make money off the backs of these slimeballs
Posted by: Anna, southampton on 5:14pm Sun 18 May 08
[quote][bold]Agent Smith[/bold] wrote:
Instead of my tax pound paying for this cockroach to watch sky tv, play pool and get 3 square meals a day would make far more sense for the government to put my tax pound to better use and purchase a single bullet to unleash between this twats eyes and a mop and bucket to clean up the mess after, you would have no shortage of people wanting to pull the trigger, we could even have a national lottery to see who wins that prize thus generating more income and maybe the deficit could help reduce fuel costs. everyones a winner!!!! whos with me[/quote] Dont insult cockroaches please
Agent Smith wrote:
Instead of my tax pound paying for this cockroach to watch sky tv, play pool and get 3 square meals a day would make far more sense for the government to put my tax pound to better use and purchase a single bullet to unleash between this twats eyes and a mop and bucket to clean up the mess after, you would have no shortage of people wanting to pull the trigger, we could even have a national lottery to see who wins that prize thus generating more income and maybe the deficit could help reduce fuel costs. everyones a winner!!!! whos with me
Dont insult cockroaches please
Posted by: Terry, Oxford on 2:47pm Thu 31 Jul 08
I worked for J Cleaver in London what a honest man he was also visited them at burgate house perfect hosts, let him rot in prison
I worked for J Cleaver in London what a honest man he was also visited them at burgate house perfect hosts, let him rot in prison
Posted by: Relative on 10:49pm Wed 3 Sep 08
[quote][bold]Terry[/bold] wrote:
I worked for J Cleaver in London what a honest man he was also visited them at burgate house perfect hosts, let him rot in prison[/quote] It gives me great comfort to know that people feel so strongly about the murder of my family. Time doesn't heal. It sickens me that my heard-earned taxes pay for these three to exist. There is no punishment great enough - my only wish that they could suffer the torture and death that they inflicted upon my loved-ones. Terry - just hold on to the memories of that wonderful house and that lovely man. There isn't a day goes by when I don't think of Tom, Wendy, Jo and Hilda
Terry wrote:
I worked for J Cleaver in London what a honest man he was also visited them at burgate house perfect hosts, let him rot in prison
It gives me great comfort to know that people feel so strongly about the murder of my family. Time doesn't heal. It sickens me that my heard-earned taxes pay for these three to exist. There is no punishment great enough - my only wish that they could suffer the torture and death that they inflicted upon my loved-ones. Terry - just hold on to the memories of that wonderful house and that lovely man. There isn't a day goes by when I don't think of Tom, Wendy, Jo and Hilda
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