BLACKLEY MAN WILLIAM MACK SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF EX-GIRLFRIEND LEANNE WALL

William Mack, a 39-year-old resident of Blackley, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of the murder of his former partner, Leanne Wall. The tragic incident took place in the context of a deeply troubled relationship marked by Mack’s history of drug abuse and paranoia. The court heard that Mack meticulously planned the attack, driven by an obsessive belief that Miss Wall had been unfaithful to him.

On February 11, Mack entered Miss Wall’s home while she was at work. His actions were calculated; he took food and a sleeping bag and ascended into the loft of her residence, where he concealed himself. It was during her return that the disturbing sequence of events unfolded. Miss Wall noticed her clothing was missing and observed that her kettle, which was usually warm, had been taken, raising her suspicions about an intruder. Mack responded to her concerns through a text message, which read, 'how could I get in you weirdo?', revealing that he was already hiding in the attic.

Early the next morning, at approximately 7:15 am, Mack descended from the loft and carried out a brutal attack. He strangled Miss Wall using his hands and a belt, resulting in her tragic death. Following the assault, Mack contacted Miss Wall’s parents, instructing them to come and collect their granddaughter, before attempting to flee the scene. His escape was thwarted when he was later apprehended on the M60 motorway. During his arrest, Mack claimed, 'I snapped,' indicating a loss of control.

During the court proceedings, Mack disrupted the proceedings by interrupting the judge, accusing the court and prosecution of lying. His outburst led to his immediate removal from the courtroom. The judge described the killing as 'a callous, calculated, pre-meditated and planned murder,' emphasizing the brutality and coldness of the act. Mack was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after that period.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe commented on the case, highlighting that Mack’s jealousy and paranoia were the driving forces behind the murder. Thorpe expressed that the loss of Miss Wall’s life was a devastating tragedy, especially considering she left behind a one-year-old daughter and a family shattered by grief. The case underscores the tragic consequences of unchecked mental health issues and obsessive behaviors, leaving a community in mourning and a family in profound sorrow.