Man sentenced to minimum of 35 years for murder and rape of woman in Ashton-under-Lyne
David Goold claimed his victim's killing was 'a game gone wrong'
A 52-year-old man will serve at least 35 years behind bars for the murder, rape and sexual assault of a woman in Tameside.
On Thursday 25 August 2022, police were called to a report of a concern for the welfare of a woman at a property in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Officers arrived, and a 26-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
52-year-old Simon Goold of Manchester Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was arrested and remanded in custody. He was later charged with murder, rape, and assault by penetration.
Today (Wednesday 22 February 2023), Goold was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to a minimum of 35 years in prison.
Duncan Thorpe of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with Lizzie’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.
“Lizzie was preyed upon by Simon Goold. He befriended her and plied her with drinks. He then took her back to his flat where he raped and sexually assaulted her, before strangling her with a ligature, she sadly died as a result of her injuries.
“Goold’s disregard for Lizzie and her welfare is unfathomable. He claimed that this was a game gone wrong and the catalogue of injuries that Lizzie sustained were horrific and definitely not consented.
“Goold is an extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today.”