GIRVAN PENSIONER JAILED FOR 22 YEARS FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF PATRICIA HENRY
A pensioner has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the murder of Patricia Henry, a 46-year-old woman whose body has never been recovered.George Metcalff, aged 72, was tried at the High Court in Edinburgh and was ordered to serve a life sentence with a minimum of 22 years and four months before he can seek parole.
During the case, it was revealed that Metcalff had previously assaulted and raped Ms Henry at her residence in Girvan, South Ayrshire, in November 2017.
The court also found him guilty of causing her death through assault, by means unknown to the prosecutor.
Additionally, he was convicted of attempting to evade justice by concealing and disposing of Ms Henry’s body and her personal effects.
Evidence indicated that Metcalff was the last person to see Ms Henry alive, having arranged her move from Paisley weeks before her disappearance, and later used a hire van to collect items from her house, during which police believe her body was moved.
The victim’s mother, Ann Henry, expressed her feelings after the sentence, stating, 'He has got what he deserves,' and 'It’s devastating I don’t have my daughter.' She also condemned him as 'a horrible, horrible apology for a human being,' and expressed her heartbreak over her loss.
Metcalff’s history includes a catalogue of crimes against women spread over nearly five decades, including assaults and rapes in Paisley and other locations.
His previous convictions include serious assaults, and his latest conviction involved the murder of Ms Henry.
The sentence was handed down following a trial where Metcalff was the last known person to be with Ms Henry before her disappearance, and evidence suggested he funded her move and transported her personal belongings.
During sentencing, Lord Armstrong highlighted that his most heinous and tragic offense was the murder, emphasizing the ongoing harm caused to Ms Henry’s family.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Metcalff was sentenced to a prison term that will see him serve at least 22 years before eligibility for parole.
