MAN FOUND GUILTY OF JESSOP DEATHS
EVIL Richard Walsh has been found guilty of the deaths of his fiancée and her daughter.A jury found the Almondbury man guilty of the murder of 20-year-old Rebecca Jessop in December, 2006.
But they returned a not guilty verdict on the charge of him murdering his partner, Samantha Jessop.
Instead, the nine women and three male jurors at Leeds Crown Court found him guilty of manslaughter.
Walsh showed no emotion as the guilty verdicts were announced shortly before 4pm yesterday.
Judge William Blair is due to sentence Walsh, 33, of Fernside Avenue, today.
The jury members had spent just under eight hours deliberating before the foreman of the jury revealed their verdict.
Walsh was charged with the murder of the two women.
But after the trial, the jury could only return a not guilty of murder verdict in relation to the death of Mrs Jessop, who was Walsh’s fiancée at the time of her death.
On December 14, 2006, the charred bodies of Mrs Jessop, 38, and her Rebecca were found at the Almondbury home the three all shared.
Between December 11 and December 14, 2006, Walsh strangled Mrs Jessop, who was known to be violent.
He also stabbed Miss Jessop to death then placed her body next to Mrs Jessop on a double bed.
He then bought three bottles of turps and set the bed and their bodies alight.
Walsh did not give evidence during the trial.
But during police interviews he said he could not remember if he was involved in their deaths.
When police asked Walsh how he initially reacted to his arrest he replied: “I didn’t know they were dead and I felt hurt when I found out.
I haven’t done this.
I would remember ...
I loved her (Samantha).” It was on December 14, 2006, that the charred remains of Mrs Jessop was found lying beside her daughter.
Their bodies had begun to decompose on the bed, which was scattered with bottles, aerosols, and unused and tied condoms.
A knife with a 28-inch blade, believed to be the weapon used to stab Miss Jessop, was discovered by their bodies.
The knife contained the DNA of Walsh, who had also slit his own wrist.
During the trial Adrian Waterman QC, defending, said Walsh was suffering from an “abnormality of the mind” at the time of the deaths.
In returning the verdicts the jury found that because of the volatile relationship and his mental health issues Walsh may have been provoked by Mrs Jessop and reacted.
About a week before their bodies were found Walsh and Mrs Jessop had an argument.
On December 9 she punched and kicked him and threatened to “stab him full of holes” if he retaliated.
She then demanded he get on his knees, kiss her feet and apologise.
Rebecca, a taxi radio operator who did not get on with Walsh, was said to have found it amusing.
Jurors were told that Walsh suffered mental health problems.
As a child he suffered emotional and psychological abuse which had affected him later in life.
Psychiatrist Nigel Eastman said Walsh’s problems meant he was more likely to lose control, especially under provocation.
Judge Blair said he believed the jury had returned the manslaughter verdict on the grounds of Walsh’s diminished responsibility and provocation by Mrs Jessop.
He said: “It is my view, so far as that account is concerned, that both may be relevant in this verdict.
I don’t see this is a case where there is a sharp distinction.”
