STEVEN BEARDS

DUDLEY MAN AND WIFE JAILED FOR SEXUALLY MOTIVATED MURDER OF VULNERABLE WOMAN

A husband has been jailed for life after he and his wife killed a vulnerable young Walsall woman before hiding her body under a bed after a sexually motivated attack.

Steven Beards, aged 34 of Rowland Avenue, Bentley, was convicted of murder and rape, while his 35-year-old wife was found guilty of manslaughter at Leicester Crown Court.

Steven Beards was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years to serve.

The article states that Steven Beards invited Susan Whiting into their home, drugged her, and then sexually assaulted and murdered her.

Detective Superintendent Mark Payne of West Midlands Police described her as "a vulnerable young woman who lost her life at the hands of this pair, who betrayed her trust." The police believe the attack was pre-planned and sexually motivated.

The investigation revealed that Steven Beards initially lied about his whereabouts, claiming he had not slept at the bungalow overnight.

Evidence showed she was sedated with drugs and her hands manacled so she could be sexually assaulted.

The article includes quotes from Susan’s family, highlighting the tragic loss of a young woman with learning difficulties, and details about the attack, the murder weapon, and the discovery of her body.