By Triple killer sentenced to life
A triple killer, who raped a pregnant woman moments before strangling her, has been sentenced to a whole-life prison term.
Anthony Russell, 39, murdered Julie Williams, her son David Williams and Nicole McGregor, whose body was found in woodland near Leamington Spa.
A judge described him as “exceptionally dangerous and manipulative”.
He had admitted the murders during a week-long spree in October 2020.
After a retrial at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday, A jury also found him guilty of rape.
The court heard he had assaulted Ms. McGregor, who was five months pregnant.
“Each [of the deaths] was the result of a separate murderous act which was sustained and brutal.”
“You will remain in custody for the rest of your life and will never be eligible to apply to the parole board for your release.”
The court reportedly heard Russell described as a “rather sad and pathetic individual” by his barrister.
According to reports, attempts to get him in a prison van resulted in staff being put in “situations of danger,” the court was told.
The three deaths prompted one of the biggest manhunts in recent years.
Russell fled Leamington by attacking and stealing a car from a 78-year-old man.
He was eventually arrested after police spotted the stolen vehicle on a road near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, and found Russell on the back seat.
During sentencing, the judge described Russell as “a man prepared to use very significant violence on anyone”.
“You are exceptionally dangerous to those who know you, and those who do not.
