Wirral teen murder sentence

21 November 2012, 05:23

A "sadistic'' teenager from Wirral who tortured and murdered his girlfriend has been jailed for at least 22 years.

18 year old Adam Lewis from Moreton was sentenced to life imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court for the murder of Hannah Windsor who was 17. 

Members of Hannah's family sobbed as they followed proceedings from the public gallery. 

The partially clothed body of Hannah, who was living in a hostel for homeless young people at the time of her death, was found hidden under leaves and dirt in woodland at Bidston Hill, Wirral, on May 19. 

Lewis had denied murdering his girlfriend but changed his plea to guilty shortly before his trial, and admitted two counts of sexual assault against his victim, two counts of burglary and one count of arson. 

In addition to life with a minimum term of 22 years for Hannah's murder, Lewis was sentenced to five years and six months for each sexual assault, to be served concurrently. He was also jailed for three years and four months for the arson and two years and six months for the burglaries, both also concurrent sentences. 

Hannah's mother broke down in tears after he was jailed. Speaking outside court, Hannah Windsor's mother, Gaynor Murray, said: 

"He deserved what he got and I'm so made up. 

"Today was the best thing that could have happened - now we can actually mourn in peace for Hannah, my beautiful little girl.

"The smile on her face was just unbelievable. She was always trying to help everyone, she was a lovely little girl - she was my baby.'' 

Asked for her thoughts on Lewis, Mrs Murray said: 

"I hate him for what he's done. It's not going to bring my little girl back but I've got justice today and I'm happy.'' 

Hannah's emotional father, Paul Windsor, said: 

"I'm made up with the sentence today. From what I have been told, he will never get out - but if I got hold of him...'' 

Detective Inspector Mark Tivendale, of Birkenhead CID, said:

"Hannah was in the prime of her life and she should have been looking forward to the rest of her life but sadly her future was taken from her by Adam Lewis.''