Southport man jailed for life after admitting killing Grandma of four

by
15th March 2016

Merseyside Police today welcomed the sentencing of Ian Gordon for the murder of his partner Ann-Marie Cropper at their home in Southport in September 2015.

Ann-Marie, 47, was found dead at the flat in Royal Terrace on Thursday 10 September after suffering significant injuries, including those to the head and chest.

Gordon, 52, originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the first day of his trial but on Monday 14 March he changed his plea to guilty to murder.

He was today, Tuesday 15 March, sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years, at Liverpool Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Cheryl Rhodes said: “Ann-Marie had 100 injuries when she died and nobody can begin to imagine what she had to endure at the hands of Ian Gordon.

“The fact that Gordon continued to deny being responsible for Ann- Marie’s murder meant that her family and friends were required to give evidence then forced to endure part of a trial and listen to details of the violence and abuse she suffered.

“I would like to thank the family for their bravery and courage during the whole ordeal and also the professionalism of the officers involved in the case.

“The sentence Gordon was given is a reflection of the seriousness of this offence and his repeated offending.

“I want to reassure members of the public that Merseyside Police is committed to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms and we have dedicated and specially trained officers who respond to incidents of domestic abuse, investigate incidents and provide support to those in need.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any time regardless of gender, age and sexuality. It is important for people to recognise when it is happening to them and that confidential support and advice is available to those that need it.”

For more information about how to report domestic violence or to seek specialist support call the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women’s Aid.

People can also call Merseyside Police on 101 or if they are in immediate danger call 999.

 

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