Pervert jailed in North after 20-year murder hunt

A crucifix-wearing killer who throttled a pensioner to death was sentenced to a minimum 25 years in prison today at Belfast Crown Court.

Perverted William James Stevenson, now 44, sexually abused his victim and left her in her blood-spattered west Belfast home 20 years ago.

He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life after advances in processing forensic information linked him to the death.

Prosecutor Fiona O’Kane said: “This was a cold, callous, gruesome, horrific murder. This was a sustained, violent attack on a vulnerable woman alone at home.”

Spinster Lilly Smyth, 66, died at her home in Finaghy, West Belfast, in October 1988. She struggled with her attacker, suffering knife wounds to her hands, but was no match for her athletic opponent.

Stevenson, who was a close neighbour, was arrested by police at the time but never charged.

DNA samples on former civil servant Ms Smyth’s tights and the defendant’s jacket linked him to the murder. Mrs O’Kane said the victim was vulnerable and quiet, a church-going and law-abiding pensioner who was subjected to a gruesome murder.

“She was beaten and choked and cut, appalling injuries that reflected a sustained attack, the degradation of her body,” she added.

Sentencing Stevenson,, Mr Justice Richard McLaughlin said: “The courts have a heavy duty to protect all of the community but the duty to children and older people stands at the height of our responsibilities.

“Those who... harm the elderly, particularly those at home and alone, must face severe punishment.”

He said the defilement of her body during or after death was tantamount to sadism.

The judge criticised the lack of remorse shown by the defendant, who denied any involvement but failed to give any explanation for why his DNA was linked to the scene. Stevenson refused to appear in court and was shown via video-link from prison.

He intends to launch an appeal.