Life term for woodland murderers

Rodney Marsh, 36, suffered fatal head injuries

Two men who murdered their friend and dumped his battered body in Cheshire woodland have been jailed for life.

Rodney Marsh, 36, of Golborne, Wigan, was lured to Alderley Edge where he suffered a shattered skull in a "sustained and ferocious attack".

At Chester Crown Court, Darren Smith, 42, and Gareth Bishop, 26, were convicted of his murder.

The court heard Smith had embarked on an affair with Mr Marsh's partner and wrote her love letters.

Petty criminal

One letter found at the house of Amanda Leech, written by Smith, read: "I love you - haven't I proved it to you in the most ultimate way possible of my love for you."

The prosecution claimed the "ultimate" declaration was the murder of Mr Marsh, whom Smith had been friends with for 10 years.

Two walkers discovered Mr Marsh's body in woodland in February.

During the murder investigation it emerged that Mr Marsh was a petty criminal, who had committed offences with Bishop and Smith.

The trio had been arrested a week before the murder on suspicion of theft from a farm.

On the night of the father-of-four's death Smith and Bishop had lured him to Alderley Edge under the guise of a similar crime.

We feel that justice has been served Statement from Rodney Marsh's family

Police said telephone records showed the three men had visited the area together.

Officers said the two men had attempted to destroy the clothes they wore on the night of the attack and scrapped the car they had travelled in.

Smith, of Knowsley Avenue, Golborne and Bishop, of Grange Road, Ashton-in Makerfield, claimed they had nothing to do with the killing.

Smith will serve a minimum of 18 years before being considered for parole and Bishop will remain in jail or at least 17 years.

Mr Marsh's family said: "We feel that justice has been served.

"Rodney was part of a large loving family, a free spirit who will always be missed and never forgotten."