Man jailed for 'pitiless' murder

Mrs Wright was struck 15 times with a heavy instrument

A man who murdered his mother-in-law after she found out about his debts has been jailed for life.

David Hill, from Pontefract, used a heavy instrument to hit Molly Wright, 73, over the head and left her lying in a pool of blood in September 2006.

The 48-year-old then returned to the house in Castleford, West Yorkshire, feigning shock at her death.

Jailing the market trader for a minimum of 14 years, Mr Justice Simon said the attack was "pitiless".

He said: "There was evidence from a pathologist that she was struck by 15 substantial blows.

"The distribution of blood in the living room and kitchen and defensive injuries to her hands indicated that the attack took place over a number of minutes and was pitiless."

Secret debts

Mr Justice Simon, at Leeds Crown Court, said something must have made Hill, of Lakeside Meadows, lose control.

During the five-week trial, the jury heard how Hill had been hiding debts of about £20,000 from Mrs Wright, his business partner at Castleford indoor market, after taking out a series of loans and credit cards.

The judge told him on Wednesday: "I accept that you are not normally a violent man but there is strong evidence that you lied about events that afternoon and your lies were to conceal your part in her death."

But Hill's family said in a statement that they firmly believed he was innocent.

Hill's solicitor, Rob Casey, said: "The family of David Hill remain fully supportive of him and are absolutely confident he is not guilty of this offence despite the jury's verdict.

"They know David better than anyone and know better than anyone his relationship with Molly Wright."

He added: "We, his solicitors, intend to continue efforts to ensure that his conviction is reviewed."

Mr Casey said solicitors were meeting counsel to consider whether to launch an appeal.