Man jailed for murder of Robert Sempey in Haydock
Merseyside Police have welcomed the sentencing of a man for the murder of 37-year-old Robert Sempey (pictured above) who was stabbed to death in Haydock in January,
Ian Andrew Robertson, 33 years, of Beilby Road, Haydock was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years at Liverpool Crown Court today.
His partner Kirsty Louise Jervis, 31 years, also of Beilby Road, was jailed for two years, eight months for assisting an offender after she helped move and conceal the body.
At around 12.15am on 21 January 2018, Merseyside Police were called to reports of a concern for the safety of a man at the couple’s home.
Officers attended the house and discovered the body of Robert, from Newton-le-Willows, partially concealed in the back garden with stab wounds. Following enquiries, Robertson and Jervis were arrested and later charged.
It was later discovered part of the attack was audio recorded and photographs were taken of the victim after he had died.
Detective Inspector Matt Smith said: "Today our thoughts are with the family of Robert, who have suffered unimaginable pain as a result of the violent manner of his death.
"The callous way Robertson carried out Robert’s killing, and the fact he chose to film part of the attack, will be incredibly shocking and upsetting for the community and has compounded the grief his family have endured since he died. The assistance Jervis provided to Robertson has also caused the family incredible upset.
"Robertson and Jervis claimed to be Robert’s friend, and he went to their address believing he was going to have an enjoyable evening. Tragically, Robertson had other ideas and events took an unspeakably tragic turn.
"There is no place in our communities for people who commit such violent and horrendous crimes, and this sentence reflects the severity of the offence and how seriously police, CPS and the courts have taken it. While it will not undo what has been done, I hope the sentence will in time give the family some sense of closure."