A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for beating to death his partner and disabled daughter in Merseyside.
William Owen, aged 55, had been scheduled for trial on Wednesday but chose to plead guilty to the murders at the last moment.
Sharon Hayter, 54, and Stephanie Owen, 29, were discovered with severe head injuries at their family home on Home Farm Road, Knowsley, in November.
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Owen was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years and six weeks.
A bailiff described the murders as "vicious" and "severe" and emphasized that the victims were entitled to feel safe in their own home.
The murder weapon was not recovered, but forensic evidence suggested injuries caused by a hammer.
Prosecutor Gary Simpson noted that the motive behind the murders might remain unknown forever.
The court heard that Owen’s relationship with Sharon Hayter was tumultuous, although he claimed to be devoted to his daughter, Stephanie, who had learning difficulties.
Post-sentencing, the siblings of Sharon Hayter expressed that they would "never forgive or forget the senseless and brutal murder of Sharon and Stephanie."
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for beating to death his partner and disabled daughter in Merseyside. William Owen, aged 55, had been scheduled for trial on Wednesday but chose to plead guilty to the murders at the last mom...
Life or indeterminate sentence
life
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for beating to death his partner and disabled daughter in Merseyside
Prison sentence
life
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for beating to death his partner and disabled daughter in Merseyside
Prison sentence
23 years and six weeks
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Owen was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years and six weeks
