Factory Worker Guilty of 'Violent Murder' of Sheffield Dad

Factory worker Shaun Wainwright has been sentenced to a minimum 28 years in jail for the murder of 36 year old Simon Holdsworth in Sheffield.

The 47 year old was described as a violent bully'' with a history of holding grudges

The 36 year old's body was found in a field near his home in Hackenthorpe in December 2013.

The jury at Teesside Crown Court took less than two hours to return a guilty verdict for Shaun Wainwright, 46, from Arbourthorne (pictured above).

Police think it was a simple dispute at work between Wainwright and Simon which sparked what officers have described as a "mindless, unprovoked and violent murder".

In a statement released by Simon Holdsworth’s family today, they said:

"Simon was a much loved son, brother, fiancée, father and uncle.

"Our family have been totally devastated by what has happened to Simon. His life was brutally ended in the most horrific circumstances. Our lives will never be the same again. "We miss Simon everyday. He will be forever in our hearts.

"We would like to thank the prosecution team and South Yorkshire Police, particularly DCI Etheridge and his team, for their outstanding and professional way in which they have conducted this investigation and brought Shaun Wainwright to justice."

On the day of his death, Simon was the only key holder at FBS Prestige, Sheffield, where both men worked. Wainwright had left his wallet at work after leaving for the day and police believe he approached Simon at a nearby bus stop and had asked to let him inside to get his wallet.

Police believe that when Simon refused, Wainwright planned to take revenge.

Wainwright said he’d simply finished work and drove straight home but CCTV opposite his house in Dagnam road, Arborthorne, proves he arrived 40 minutes later. The journey should have taken him around five minutes.

Detectives analysed CCTV footage taken in the local area and police were able to prove that Wainwright’s car had been at the crime scene, despite his claims that he had gone straight home.

A key piece of evidence was that Wainwright’s blue Vauxhall Astra had a number of unique faults, including one headlight dipping more than the other.

Police and experts were then able to prove that Wainwright’s car, which was completely unique due to the faults and modifications, had been at the crime scene.

In the 48 hours after Simon’s death, Wainwright was seen revisiting the crime scene 11 times, even talking to police officers.

Police discovered that a gold chain Simon had been wearing around his neck before he died was missing. The day after Simon’s death, CCTV captured Wainwright visiting a store in Ecclesall Road which trades gold and silver.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Etheridge, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:

"We know that Shaun Wainwright has a history of holding grudges against people for relatively minor things.

"He’s had workplace disputes before where he has physically assaulted people. We believe Wainwright was angry that Simon would not allow him to get his wallet back. Something so simple, we believe, cost Simon his life."

In the weeks after Simon’s death, police also discovered that Wainwright had discussed details with others that only the killer could have known.

DCI Etheridge added:

"On Christmas Eve, we know that Wainwright told a friend that Simon had been robbed and that his phone and chain had been stolen. This information was not made public until 3 January 2014 – clear evidence that he knew much more than he was admitting to.

"Wainwright is a man who claimed to be Simon’s friend at work and has lied constantly and repeatedly throughout the investigation. He’s physically much bigger than the victim and overpowered him, leaving him for dead - all of this points to the actions of a violent bully.

"He knew where Simon would be that night and he drove to the scene intent on revenge for a dispute he had with him. The defendant has a short fuse and responded with maximum force over a minor grievance.

"Simon’s family have lost someone they loved dearly and Shaun Wainwright’s family have lost someone too - there are no winners here."

A post mortem found that Simon had been hit with a blunt instrument, which caused fatal head injuries.

The murder weapon has never been found, although police believe a metal bar taken by Wainwright from his workplace, which he had told colleagues was for ‘protection,’ was used to attack his victim.