Couple found guilty of murdering pensioner to pay drug debt

Ian Birley (43) and Helen Nichols (38), both of Mont Walk, Wombwell were convicted of murder and robbery today by a jury following a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

 

Nichols denied murder but admitted robbery, Birley denied any involvement.

 

Mr Gogarty’s body was found in his home on Marsh Street, Wombwell on July 17 – he had been stabbed 69 times.

 

A receipt for a £500 cash withdrawal found next to Mr Gogarty’s body led officers to Nichols and her boyfriend Birley.

 

Det Chief Insp Stephen Handley, leading the investigation, said: “This was a horrific and unprovoked attack and I am pleased the jury has found Birley and Nichols guilty of murder.

 

“Mr Gogarty was a hard-working, security conscious man who kept himself to himself.

“He was mild-mannered and never displayed violence to anyone.

 

“Birley and Nichols went round to Marsh Street on July 13 to rob Mr Gogarty, but because he did not have cash at his home, Birley inflicted a level of violence on an innocent man that can only be described as atrocious.

 

“Evidence suggested that Mr Gogarty was threatened for his money.

 

“He endured significant pain at the hands of Birley and Nichols and I hope that their sentence reflects the severity of this inhumane act.”

 

Det Chief Insp Handley added: “I hope that today’s conviction will go some way to helping Mr Gogarty’s family come to terms with the tragic loss of their loved one.

 

“Wombwell is a close-knit and friendly community and I would like to thank the residents for their patience during the large scale investigation.”

 

Birley and Nichols will be sentenced on Monday.