Farmhouse murder case man freed

Michelle Crossley was found with multiple stab wounds

A 21-year-old man who was cleared of murdering a woman in her Cornish farmhouse has walked free.

Adam Jinks was acquitted at Truro Crown Court of murdering Michelle Crossley at her home near Helston one year ago.

But he was sentenced to two years after admitting intent to impede the prosecution of his step-father Gary Chadwick, 42, who has admitted murder.

Jinks was released because of the time already spent in custody. Chadwick will be sentenced for murder later.

Stab wounds

Ms Crossley, 39, was battered to death at her home at Higher Carnborne farm in Laity in November 2007.

Jinks, of Penryn Street, Redruth, had been due to stand trial on Tuesday for her murder.

But prosecutor Martin Edmunds QC told the court there was not enough evidence against Jinks.

Ms Crossley's body was found at Carneborne Farmhouse in Laity Wendron with serious head injuries and multiple stab wounds.

Police believe two weapons were used to kill her, including a knife that was at least 4in (10cm) long.