A man who took the life of a mother-of-three and concealed her remains for 11 days has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
During the sentencing, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC expressed unequivocally that this was an "abominably vicious assault on a vulnerable woman." He went on to assert, "She endured a ceaseless onslaught of brutality."
In the city of Sheffield, a man named Mark Nicholls has been sentenced to life imprisonment for brutally assaulting and ultimately causing the demise of Emily Sanderson, a cherished mother of three. The judge has decreed that Nicholls must serve a minimum of 17 years and six months in incarceration.
The tragic incident unfolded when Emily Sanderson, aged 50, fell victim to a barrage of at least 13 savage blows by the hands of the assailant, Mark Nicholls. Subsequently, he meticulously concealed her lifeless form within his residence in Sheffield, where it remained undetected for an agonizing span of 11 days, as disclosed by the presiding judge.
During the sentencing, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC expressed unequivocally that this was an “abominably vicious assault on a vulnerable woman.” He went on to assert, “She endured a ceaseless onslaught of brutality.”
Within Sheffield Crown Court, a recording of Ms. Sanderson’s call to a taxi service was played. It was a harrowing account, punctuated by a stifled cry, followed by a series of ominous thuds, ultimately concluding with the dispatcher terminating the call.
Throughout the proceedings, Mark Nicholls, who had confessed to the murder of Ms. Sanderson, remained largely impassive while seated in the dock. Meanwhile, the courtroom, brimming with many of the victim’s family and friends, observed with somber intensity.
According to Sam Green KC, who led the prosecution, Ms. Sanderson had been employed as an escort, and Nicholls counted himself among her clients. Following the tragic events, on the morning of May 19, Nicholls hastily departed for Malton in North Yorkshire, as per Mr. Green.
Surveillance footage captured the defendant in various establishments within the town, accompanied by a female companion, as he sought refuge from the unfolding events.
It was not until May 25, following Ms. Sanderson’s family reporting her disappearance, that her lifeless form was discovered. This grim revelation came about after law enforcement officials forcibly entered Nicholls’ residence on May 30.
Credit: South Yorkshire Police
In an adjacent residence, a neighbour of the accused reported witnessing Nicholls engaging in excavation activities within the garden just days prior. Judge Richardson firmly asserted that he harboured no doubt about the defendant’s premeditated intention to inter the remains.
Jamie Hill KC, who represented the defendant, stated that Nicholls’ recollection of the event was undoubtedly marred by the influence of alcohol and the consumption of crack cocaine.
With a resolute decree, Judge Richardson ordered that Nicholls serve an unyielding minimum of 17 and a half years before any contemplation of release, emphasizing the abominable nature of the act. He expounded, “This act was undeniably malevolent.”
Furthermore, he elucidated, “You perpetrated a merciless homicide of a young woman. Your actions displayed a dogged determination, as you relentlessly bludgeoned her.”
The judge continued, “There exists not a shred of justification or rationalisation for your deeds.”
Seated in the dock alongside a vigilant security officer, Nicholls donned a grey jacket, concealing a white open-necked shirt, as he admitted to the murder during a preceding court session.
Presented in court today, a statement from Emily’s mother, Christine Shann, unveiled the profound impact of the loss. She articulated, “Emily was an extraordinary individual. She was profoundly and dearly cherished by me, her trio of children, her siblings, her kin, and her copious, steadfast comrades.”
She went on to express, “It is an insurmountable task to convey the emotional devastation wrought by her untimely demise. Her son and two daughters have been deprived of their maternal figure. Emily and her offspring cherished and nurtured each other, reliant on her presence in their lives, a presence that has been cruelly pilfered.”
“As Emily’s mother,” she concluded, “I have been robbed of the daughter I hold in the highest regard. I have been compelled to endure the most nightmarish scenario any parent could envision – the loss of my own flesh and blood. Emily shared intimate and invaluable bonds with each of her siblings, leaving an indelible and irreplaceable void in their lives.”
