Women jailed over murder cover-up

The two women both admitted trying to cover up the crime

Two women who admitted perverting the course of justice in a hit-and-run murder case have been jailed.

It follows the life sentence given last month to bus driver Daniel Press, 24, of Epsom, Surrey, who was convicted of driving his car into a man in Ewell.

Press's sister and girlfriend were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court.

His sister, Alyssa Press, 29, of Epsom, was given a 21-month term. Girlfriend Kerry Barnett, 24, of Carshalton, London, received an 18-month sentence.

'Misguided loyalty'

During the murder trial, Press denied murdering 21-year-old William Buckingham on 27 September on the A24, by driving his car into him after a minor dispute at a pub about amateur football.

After the hearing, Det Ch Insp Maria Woodall said: "Because of their deceit and misguided loyalty, his girlfriend and sister are now also starting the first of many nights in prison."

Ms Woodall said Ms Barnett, who was in the car at the time, gave police a false account of the event and provided a false alibi.

The defendant's sister, Ms Press, hid the car used in the garage of an unoccupied house owned by her parents, who were out of the country at the time, she added.

She said both sentences were suspended for the second half of their terms.

Press was ordered to serve a minimum term of 12 years.