RICARDO MORRISON FROM BIRMINGHAM AND FARNWORTH SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER IN FARNWORTH NEAR BOLTON

Ricardo Morrison, a 22-year-old man originally from Birmingham, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years at Manchester Crown Court for the murder of his teenage girlfriend, Amy Leigh Barnes. The tragic incident took place in their shared residence located in Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire. Morrison’s attack on Amy was carried out with a six-inch kitchen knife, resulting in fatal injuries that ultimately claimed her life.

During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Morrison’s criminal history includes a pattern of violent conduct. Although he had previous convictions for assault and harassment, these offenses did not lead to imprisonment. The court heard harrowing details of Morrison’s abusive relationship with Amy, which included him holding a knife to her throat, repeatedly assaulting her, and subjecting her to ongoing terror and intimidation. The relationship was marked by a series of violent episodes, culminating in the deadly attack on November 8 of the previous year.

On that day, Morrison launched a brutal assault on Amy, slashing her face from the corner of her mouth to her ear and stabbing her multiple times with force. Despite her injuries, Amy managed to make a 999 emergency call, during which she pleaded for help as her life was slipping away. Morrison then fled the scene and sought refuge at his mother’s house in Birmingham. There, she washed his bloodstained clothes in an attempt to destroy evidence of the crime.

Following an 11-day trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for three hours and nineteen minutes. Morrison was convicted of murder, while his mother, Melda Wilks, aged 50 and a police officer for nearly 30 years, was acquitted of any involvement or aiding in the crime. The court’s judge emphasized that the minimum sentence of 24 years was necessary to ensure that Morrison remains off the streets, given his dangerous and manipulative behavior. Morrison’s conduct during the trial was marked by signs of arrogance and anger as he left the courtroom.

The tragic death of Amy Barnes has left her family devastated, and her loss underscores the critical importance of addressing domestic violence issues and providing adequate support for victims. The case has also highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to prevent such violent acts and protect vulnerable individuals from abusive relationships.