Four people jailed for life for murder of St Helens man

Merseyside Police have welcomed the sentencing of four people in connection with the murder of Warren Glover in Thatto heath last year.

Warren, 33, was assaulted on Saturday 13 June 2020 in French Street at its junction with Thompson Street, in Thatto Heath. At around 10.15pm, three men and a woman arrived in a grey Kia Sportage, before assaulting Warren with weapons in a quiet residential street, leaving him with serious head injuries. He was taken to hospital where he sadly passed away on Tuesday, 7 July.

Following an extensive investigation, six people were arrested in connection with Warren’s death. One was released without charge, and following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, all five persons charged were found guilty. Four of them were convicted of murder, and have today been sentenced to a total of over 80 years in prison.

Those sentenced are as follows:

• Aaron Stubbs, 30, of Lane End Road, Manchester was sentenced to life with a minimum of 21 years and six months in prison • Melissa Stubbs, 29, of Lane End Road, Manchester was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years and six months in prison • Peter Walker, 31, of Garth Road, Manchester was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years and six months in prison • Stephen Strutt, 39, of Chester Avenue, Stalybridge was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years in prison

Sarah Clark, 31, of Chester Avenue, Stalybridge was found guilty of assisting an offender. Clarke was bailed with conditions from court and will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, 21 May.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Craig Sumner said: “Warren suffered a brutal assault at the hands of those involved, and I hope today’s sentencing serves as some comfort to his family and friends that they will now spend a significant time behind bars.

“Warren was the ex-partner of Melissa Stubbs, who made threats towards him on the night of the assault. Stubbs, her brother Aaron Stubbs, and friend Peter Walker drove from Manchester to Thatto Heath and brutally attacked him. He was in intensive care in hospital for just over three weeks, before he tragically died due to the injuries sustained during the attack.

“A resolute team of investigators from East investigations based at St Helens police station worked tirelessly to follow every viable line of enquiry.”

Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness who led the investigations team said "Our enquiries led us to Manchester and it soon became apparent that the group had made a series of arrangements and plotted to travel to Thatto Heath together to commit the attack on Mr Glover.

“This was a complex investigation and I would like to thank the whole investigation team for their relentless work in bringing those responsible to justice. It’s pleasing to know that they have received a significant term in prison for their part in the commission of this terrible offence.

“I would like to thank Warren’s family for their support and strength shown throughout the investigation, despite their tragic loss. I hope they can slowly begin to move forward knowing that justice has been served at court today.”

Jackie Glover, Warren’s mother said: “I want to thank all my family and friends who have supported me throughout this traumatic time in my life. I also want to thank the residents of French Street and Thompson Street who had the courage and sense of community to assist the prosecution case. I want to thank the residents who stopped and tried to help Warren by giving him first aid and contacting the emergency services.

“Also the Police investigation team and the prosecution team for their expertise and advice throughout the trial and the last 10 months. All these people have helped me get through the worst time of my life. I welcome the sentences the offenders received.

“I am really proud of Warren for him being a really great dad and for being brave enough and seeking help and support for his mental health problems. Warren was my everything, the reason I got up each day, without him I feel lost, broken and empty. I will be forever grateful for his life and I wouldn`t change a thing about him.”