EDWIN HOPKINS: COVENTRY AND NUNEATON'S MOST NOTORIOUS KILLER NEARS RELEASE AFTER 25 YEARS

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Coventry and Nuneaton, Edwin Hopkins, a man convicted of heinous crimes including the sexual abuse, mutilation, and murder of a 15-year-old girl, is now one step closer to potentially regaining his freedom after nearly 25 years behind bars.

Hopkins, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of Naomi Smith in 1995, has recently won a court victory that allows him to have a full oral hearing regarding his application to be transferred to an open prison. This move could significantly shorten his time in custody and bring him closer to parole. The court's decision was made by Judge Mark Gosnel, who emphasized Hopkins’ “exemplary” conduct during his incarceration and pointed out that he had not been granted a fair hearing previously.

Naomi Smith, a young girl from Nuneaton, was last seen leaving her home in Ansley Common to post a letter for her mother. Her body was discovered later that evening in a nearby play area, under a children's slide, by her father, Brian Smith, and a friend. The post-mortem revealed that Naomi had been sexually assaulted, her throat had been slashed, and her body had been mutilated in a savage attack. The investigation into her murder was extensive, involving multiple police units and forensic teams.

Edwin Hopkins, then aged 20, was convicted of her murder in January 1997. Throughout his incarceration, Hopkins has maintained his innocence, claiming that he is unfairly classified as a high-security risk. Despite serving a minimum of 18 years, the authorities have refused to downgrade his security status, citing his continued protests of innocence and the complex nature of his case.

In July 2010, Hopkins attempted to have his sentence reduced, arguing that he had served enough time. However, the court upheld the original minimum term, reinforcing the severity of his crime and the need for continued detention. The case remains a stark reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in Nuneaton on that fateful night in September 1995.

Naomi Smith, born in Coventry to Brian and Catherine Smith, was described by her family as a shy, music-loving girl with a passion for gymnastics. On the evening of her murder, she had been participating in a local marching band rehearsal with her best friend Emma Jones. Afterward, she left her home around 9:45 pm to post a letter, dressed in jeans, a dark blue polo neck jumper, an old white Aran sweater, and a bomber jacket bearing the words “Chicago Fire Department” and “BACKDRAFT” on the back.

When Naomi failed to return home by 11:15 pm, her father, a local taxi driver, began searching for her. He checked her best friend Emma Jones’s house and then drove to the recreation ground, where Naomi’s body was found beneath a children's slide. The post-mortem confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted, her throat had been cut, and her body mutilated, indicating a brutal and sadistic attack.

The police investigation was led by Detective Superintendent Tony Bayliss of Warwickshire Police. Initial efforts involved a thorough search of the area, witness interviews, and appeals to the public. Despite these efforts, no weapon was recovered, and the case remained unresolved for some time. Witnesses reported seeing Naomi near the post box and a man running from the alleyway known as the jitty, which led behind the houses of Bretts Hall Estate.

Early arrests included five men taken into custody, but none were charged. The breakthrough came with the development of DNA profiling, which identified a suspect from a mass screening of local men. Edwin Hopkins was arrested on November 18, 1995, and charged with Naomi’s murder. His trial commenced in January 1997 at Birmingham Crown Court.

During the trial, evidence presented included DNA matches and bite mark analysis linking Hopkins to the crime scene. His sister testified that he had an obsession with knives, and forensic experts confirmed that the bite marks on Naomi matched Hopkins’ teeth. The jury found Hopkins guilty by a 10-1 majority, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommended minimum term of 20 years.

Despite the conviction, Hopkins has consistently maintained his innocence. His legal team has challenged his minimum term, but courts have upheld the original sentence. His case continues to evoke debate about justice and rehabilitation, especially given his recent court victory that could lead to his early release.

Naomi Smith’s tragic story remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities in Coventry and Nuneaton. Her family continues to seek justice and closure, even as her killer approaches the possibility of freedom after serving nearly a quarter-century behind bars.