BILLY WHITE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDER IN HAYES

Billy White, aged 23, has been handed a life sentence in prison following his conviction for the murder of his girlfriend, Lucy Ayris, in Hayes. The court proceedings revealed a tragic and disturbing sequence of events that culminated in a brutal act of violence. When White was arrested, he reportedly broke down in tears, sobbing 'I'm sorry' in a display of apparent remorse. However, during police interviews, he later confessed that he could not explain his actions, stating that the very thought of what he had done made him feel 'physically sick.'

White, who has a documented history of mental health struggles, initially pleaded guilty to the charge of murder. Yet, in a complex legal maneuver, he changed his plea before the sentencing phase, only to plead guilty once more during a hearing at the Old Bailey. The court was informed that on the night of the attack, White was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, specifically cannabis and cocaine. This intoxication was believed to have played a significant role in the violent act. The court heard that White stabbed Lucy through the neck while she was peacefully sleeping, an act that shocked everyone present.

The relationship between White and Lucy Ayris was described as 'volatile,' lasting approximately 18 months. Prior to the murder, the couple had spent an evening socializing with friends and engaging in intimate moments, suggesting a night that appeared to be relatively normal before the tragic event. After the attack, White used Lucy’s phone to call his mother, confessing to the murder. His mother, alarmed by the call, contacted emergency services immediately. Despite previous police interventions in 2014 related to domestic disputes involving White, no formal action was taken at that time.

The judge presiding over the case described White as 'a very dangerous young man,' emphasizing the threat he posed to society. Consequently, White was sentenced to serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars. The court highlighted his dangerousness, especially considering his intoxicated state during the crime. Lucy Ayris’s family expressed their profound devastation, stating that White’s guilty plea does not alleviate their pain. They made it clear that nothing can bring Lucy back and insisted that White must be kept incarcerated forever to prevent further harm.

The court acknowledged White’s mental health issues but confirmed that he was not experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the murder. It was also noted that he had a long-standing history of alcohol and drug abuse, which likely contributed to his actions. Lucy’s family shared their grief, describing their lives as having 'been to hell and back.' They expressed that White’s actions have effectively ended their lives as they knew them, and their pain remains unending.