Pair plead not guilty to murder of Liam Smith in Wigan

The 38-year-old was found dead in November last year.

Author: Matt MaddrenPublished 27th Mar 2023
Last updated 27th Mar 2023

A man and woman have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Liam Smith in Wigan.

The body of the 38-year-old, who was an electrician, was found at the bottom of his driveway on Kilburn Drive in Shevington in November last year.

He'd been shot and subjected to an acid attack.

Michael Hillier, 39, of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, and Rachel Fulstow, 37, of Andrew Drive, York, both appeared at Manchester Crown Court earlier via video link.

They both entered not guilty pleas to murder and will go on trial in July.

Fulstow is expected to enter a plea to an additional charge of perverting the course of justice when she appears for a further hearing for the pair on May 15.

In January, Mr Smith's family said he was a "devoted" and "adoring" father to his two boys, aged 15 and 11, and was a "dearly loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson and friend".

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.