COVENTRY WOMAN JAILED FOR MURDERING PENSIONER
Two individuals, a woman and a teenage male, have been sentenced for the murder of an elderly man whom they lured to his death.Antoinette Sheppard, aged 44, and 17-year-old Kieron Spicer were responsible for the death of 74-year-old Michael Brady at Sheppard’s home on Bowness Close, Coventry, in June 2023.
A jury convicted them of murder in December, and they received their sentences at Warwick Crown Court on Friday.
Sheppard was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison, whereas Spicer’s sentence was at least 18 years.
After a court order was lifted through an application by prosecutors, Spicer’s name was made public.
According to court proceedings, Sheppard initially befriended Mr Brady before inviting him into her residence.
CCTV evidence showed him entering her home shortly after 18:00 BST on 18 June.
Following his entry, both Sheppard and Spicer inflicted injuries on Mr Brady, which resulted in his death.
His body was concealed in a large television box kept inside a shed.
The two offenders also stole Mr Brady’s bank card, using it to withdraw £300 and buy alcohol.
Concerned neighbours prompted police intervention, which resulted in the discovery of Mr Brady’s body in the shed.
During police interviews, attempts were made by both parties to deflect blame, but evidence at trial revealed that Sheppard had groomed Spicer to commit criminal acts, including messages indicating plans to hurt someone.
One message from Spicer read, “I am on one.
I am going to hurt people.” A family member spoke of Mr Brady as a kind, trusting, and gentle man who loved to laugh.
They described the emotional impact of the case, stating, “It was surreal and devastating to tell my family, friends, and colleagues that my dad had been murdered.” Detective Inspector Jim Colclough characterized the case as a tragic example of a vulnerable man being killed by people he trusted.
