Steven Churchill pleads guilty to murdering Jane Edwards
A Shrewsbury man was today jailed for life for the murder of a Shropshire woman last year.
Steven Churchill, 52, today pleaded guilty to the murder of Jane Edwards at her Hanwood home in December last year. The case was heard at Stafford Crown Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Tonks said: "This was a vicious attack on a defenceless woman by a man who was no stranger to violence.
"I am pleased he pleaded guilty to the offence of murder, thereby sparing Jane's family and friends the ordeal of a trial which was expected to last several weeks.
"My thoughts are with those who knew and loved her and I hope today's outcome will provide them with a small degree of comfort, knowing that the person responsible has been brought to justice.”
Jane Edwards was attacked in her home at Hanwood on 14 December last year. Steven Churchill was identified and traced by police within a matter of hours of the offence being discovered. He was arrested during the early hours of the following day, quickly charged and put before the court.
In a statement from Mr Clive Edwards, brother of Jane Edwards it was revealed that Steven had killed his sister who had died a brutal death in 1985.
Family Statement
Speaking on behalf of the family Mr Edwards said: “On 14th December 2010, Jane was brutally killed in her own home. It has now been nearly a year and not a day has gone by without the manner of her death resonating through those who loved her.
“Steven Churchill has today pleaded guilty to murder and that is exactly what the family consider him to be. Steven Churchill is someone who killed a loving, kind-hearted and generous woman for his own means. He took away a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a dear friend to so many people. He took her away and has now left so many broken people behind. These are people who will remain broken. Steven Churchill did not just kill Jane that day, but he killed her mother, who continually asked after her daughter up until the day she died herself only a matter of weeks ago.
“Throughout this time we have not known of any true remorse shown by Steven Churchill. Today we believe that he has acknowledged responsibility not only for Jane's death but for murdering her. Steven Churchill is a killer. A brutal and callous man responsible for the most awful of crimes. Our only relief is that he had now pleaded guilty and not put the family through what would have been a harrowing trial.”
Steven Churchill was sentenced to life with a minimum tariff set at 26 years.
