WIRRAL BUILDER CATHAL COMERFORD JAILED FOR LIFE FOR MURDERING GIRLFRIEND
BUILDER Cathal Comerford who drunkenly strangled his partner when their relationship came to an end was jailed for life.Comerford, 41, was told he will have to stay in prison for a minimum of 10 years and 10 months before he can even be considered for parole.The dad-of-two previously pleaded guilty to the murder of Sara Williams at their New Brighton flat on April 15 but sentencing was adjourned until this week.Lawyers had claimed on his behalf that Comerford did not realise he had killed Miss Williams until the next day because he was so drunk and she had “goaded” him by saying she was going to see other men.But Judge Clement Goldstone QC rejected those arguments.He said: “You were business partners as well as living together.On the night you killed Sara Williams you had agreed your relationship was at an end.“Your relationship was a stormy one.
It was punctuated by rows, disagreements and violence on both sides.“I am prepared to accept your intention was a short-lived one and you immediately regretted what you had done.“But your regret did not prevent you falling asleep or calling emergency services until some time after Miss Williams had died.”He added because the relationship was over he had “no claim on Miss Williams’ fidelity”.Dublin-born Comerford moved to England in 2003 and met Miss Williams over the internet.The court heard he drank a crate of beer and a bottle of vodka before punching and strangling her at their flat in St James Road.Judge Goldstone added: “Whatever your remorse, your shame, your self-loathing, it will be of little comfort to the family and friends of Sara Williams.“Her loss leaves an inescapable hole in the hearts and minds of those to whom she was close.“Theirs is a life sentence which will continue long after the time comes for consideration to be given to your release.”
