Woman found guilty of Bridgnorth Man’s murder

Emma Bate, 26, and Paramjit Singh, 33, broke into the home of 57-year-old Richard Sherratt in June last year to fund their crack-cocaine lifestyle and pay-offs debts owed to drug dealers.

Bate had begun seeing Mr Sherratt just a few months earlier in March.

The pair planned to rob Mr Sherratt and to commit fraud by withdrawing funds from his bank accounts. They planned to travel late at night when they knew Mr Sherratt would be at home and would be asleep.

During the two-week trial jurors at Stafford Crown Court heard distressing details about the degree of violence used while Mr Sherratt was held captive and tortured in his own home. He was subjected to a callous and brutal ordeal with the injuries sustained, resulting in his death.

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Inspector Steve Tonks' said:

“Today's verdicts send out a strong message that anyone resorting to violence for criminal purposes, will be brought to justice. The police will strive to quickly arrest offenders putting them before the courts where they can expect to receive lengthy custodial sentences.

“I also hope today's verdicts will bring a degree of closure for Mr Sherratt's family and friends. In particular, I would like to thank his daughter and his two sons for the support they have given to the police investigation, whilst coping with the loss of their father. I would also like to thank the many witnesses who came forward to help the police during the course of the investigation, a number of whom have given evidence in this trial.

“The circumstances of this case with its tragic outcome have been harrowing. Fortunately, incidents of this nature are relatively rare in Shropshire and those responsible for this murder were traced and arrested within two days of Mr Sherratt being found.”

Bate, had denied murder, but admitted robbing. Singh, previously admitted murder, robbing and defrauding Mr Sherratt. Both are from Birmingham.

The pair will be sentenced at the beginning of March.