A Sheffield man who murdered his housemate with a hammer, photographed her dead body and robbed her has been sentenced today.
David Scott, 39, from Woodhouse, murdered 49-year-old Sarah Brierley on 14 February accompanied by his partner, Zoe Clark.
The couple were then captured on CCTV stealing Miss Brierley’s TV.
Scott sent a love letter to his co-accused, that ‘sparked’ his guilt which read: ‘I can do 20 years, if I know you’re there at the end.’
Scott was found guilty by the jury and sentenced to 29 years prison for murder, nine years for robbery, and 18 months for theft at Sheffield Crown Court today after a three-and-a-half month long trial.
His sentences will run concurrently.
Zoe Clark, 38, was also sentenced to 42 weeks in prison after being found guilty on one count of theft, but she was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
Miss Brierley was found by police wrapped in a duvet in her flat on Skelton Close, with significant injuries to the head that were concluded to be the result of a hammer, the court heard.
Traces of rat poison were also found near to her body and her body showed no sign of any self-defence injuries.
The investigation was led by Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, he said: “Sarah died at the hands of someone she trusted enough to live with her.
“The intent of Scott has never come to light, and we do not know why he decided to end an innocent woman’s life.
He added: “I hope today’s verdict and knowing that Scott will spend time behind bars helps bring closure to those who knew Sarah.”
