2003: BOLTON MAN HANDED LIFE FOR HIS MOTHER'S MURDER OVER INHERITANCE
2003: Stanley Crank, aged 46 and working as an odd job man, was given a life sentence for killing his mother, Ellen Crank, in an attempt to claim her estate.The incident occurred as Ellen, who was 76 years old, was returning from her birthday celebrations with friends.
The murder was described as extremely violent, with the victim suffering more than 70 injuries, including nearly 50 stab wounds to her face and mouth area.
The attack resulted in the stabbing weapon breaking due to the ferocity of the assault.
During the murder, one of the assailants knelt on Mrs.
Crank, stabbing her repeatedly in the face and chest.
She succumbed to blood loss and breathing difficulty caused by her own blood.
The motive was rooted in greed, with Crank having reportedly boasted that he would inherit a fortune following his mother's death.
His accomplice, Duncan Runciman, was also handed a life sentence for his participation.
The police traced Crank's involvement through DNA evidence, including blood droplets recovered from the victim’s home and on Crank’s leather jacket.
Although he denied the charges, Crank was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court.
Detective Superintendent Simon Barraclough stated that Mrs.
Crank's murder was driven by greed, perpetrated by her son, who had become afraid of her, along with his close associate who planned and executed the killing for a share of her money.
It was confirmed that the murder happened on February 21, and her body was discovered after remaining unnoticed in her clean, semi-detached residence for two days.
The case underscored the shocking brutality and betrayal involved in the killing by a son against his mother.
