Life for Willard murder duo

TWO men have been sentenced to life for the murder of businessman Michael Willard.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Sep 2004, 18:56 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 23:21 BST

Derek Hunter, 37, of West Hill Road, and Stephen Jones, 26, Perth Road, received their sentences at Lewes Crown Court today (September 6).

They were convicted of murder and robbery on Thursday.

The 63-year-old boss was stabbed to death on a Friday afternoon - the time of the week he always held cash in his office to pay staff.

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Mr Willard managed to make a 999 call but when police and paramedics arrived he was slumped on the floor of his office.

Sentencing the pair to serve a minimum of 13 years in prison for murder before being eligible for parole, Judge Anthony Scott-Gall said the jury had convicted them on the "clearest of evidence".

He added: "Neither of you in my judgement have shown a flicker of remorse or contrition for what you did."

For full story read Friday's Observer.