In a case that has shocked the nation, a pair of career criminals has been handed life sentences for one of Merseyside's most depraved and calculated murders. Stephen McHugh and his partner, Joanna Grimes, orchestrated a horrific attack that culminated in their victim being chained inside a burning building.
A Calculated Act of Evil
The court heard how 28-year-old McHugh and 26-year-old Grimes deliberately set fire to a property on Clara Street, St Helens, with their victim, 52-year-old Raymond Bassington, trapped inside. The prosecution detailed how the couple had callously chained Mr. Bassington to the banister, ensuring he had no means of escape from the rapidly spreading inferno.
Mr. Bassington's body was discovered by emergency services, but tragically, it was too late. He had succumbed to the devastating effects of the fire and smoke inhalation in what was described as an act of "unimaginable cruelty."
A Trail of Violence and Deceit
The investigation revealed this was not a random act but the brutal climax of a sustained campaign of violence. McHugh, a man with a staggering 145 previous convictions, and Grimes, who had 33, were known to their victim.
Prior to the murder, the couple had been terrorising Mr. Bassington, making his life a living hell. The court was told that their actions were motivated by a twisted desire for revenge and control, showcasing a complete disregard for human life.
Justice Served at Liverpool Crown Court
At Liverpool Crown Court, the scale of their crime was met with the full force of the law. Stephen McHugh was ordered to serve a minimum of 32 years behind bars. Joanna Grimes received a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 18 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew McCourt of Merseyside Police condemned the couple's "horrific and evil actions," stating that Raymond Bassington was "subjected to a sustained and brutal attack which ultimately cost him his life." He expressed hope that the lengthy sentences would bring some small measure of solace to Mr. Bassington's grieving family.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the depths of human depravity but also of the relentless pursuit of justice by British authorities.
