Jail for Solicitor Killer

48 year old Philip Martins from Widnes has been sentenced to 18 years in prison at Chester Crown Court for the murder of Liverpool based solicitor Linda Bakewell.

Linda, described by many as 'bubbly and friendly' was very popular and led a busy social life that focused around music, and holidaying with friends. She was regarded as well liked and professional by her work colleagues at Armstrongs Solicitors in Old Hall Street, Liverpool.

Factory worker Philip Martins was a friend of the victim whom he had met through their mutual interest in Northern Soul music. They would regularly meet at various venues in the area, and on the night of Lindas' murder they had met at a bar in Widnes. Witnesses state that they saw Martins and Linda chatting together and generally enjoying the evening.

Family and friends became concerned when Linda didn't turn up for a night out with friends the next day and she was reported missing. 

Police spoke to friends and family of Linda and worked out her movements on the Friday evening, leading them to Philip Martins. He insisted the only contact he had with Linda was via text message and had not seen her in some time. As police trawled CCTV footage and examined Martins' phone records, his lies began to unravel and Police arrived to arrest him. They discovered he had kept Linda's body in his house for several days before hiding her in the boot of his car.

Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Inspector Jo Miller of Cheshire Police said "Martins showed little regard and little respect for Linda, in the way that he treated her shortly before her death and after her death. I would describe Philip Martins as cold, calculated individual."