ROCHDALE MAN GLEN GIBBONS SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF EX-PARTNER LINDA PARKER

Glen Gibbons, a man from Rochdale, was found guilty of the murder of his former partner, Linda Parker, in a chilling act of violence that shocked the community. The incident took place on the evening of 25 September 2017, when Gibbons, driven by an unhealthy obsession and controlling love, lay in wait at Linda's residence in Rochdale with the intent to harm her.

On that day, Gibbons had purchased a chisel and a knife, which he brought with him to Linda's home. As she returned that evening, he launched a brutal attack, repeatedly stabbing her to death in a savage and unprovoked assault. The court was told that Linda was planning to take out a restraining order against Gibbons due to his threatening and abusive behavior, which had escalated over time. Her attempts to seek safety and protection appeared to have been ignored by Gibbons, who had previously threatened her and stalked her, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

The senior investigation officer, Duncan Thorpe, described the incident as particularly savage, emphasizing that Gibbons had terrified Linda and had become increasingly threatening in the days leading up to the murder. The court heard that Gibbons' actions were fueled by his obsessive attachment, which prevented him from letting go of Linda even after she sought help. On the day of the killing, Gibbons also directed verbal abuse towards Linda's son, further illustrating his volatile and dangerous state of mind.

Following the murder, Gibbons surrendered himself at Rochdale police station, leading to his arrest. During the trial, he admitted to the killing, and the court sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years. Justice Bryan, presiding over the case, highlighted Gibbons' unhealthy obsession and controlling love, condemning his refusal to accept the end of their relationship. The judge described the murder as a tragic example of domestic violence that tragically turned fatal, underscoring the devastating consequences of unchecked abusive behavior in intimate relationships.