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05/04/2011
Sweeney Sentenced To Life Imprisonment
John Sweeney has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Paula Fields and Melissa Halstead.
Sentencing took place at the Old Bailey today with the judge imposing a 'whole life order' on Sweeney. Sweeney was also sentenced to ten years for perverting the course of justice - the sentences will run concurrently.
This follows yesterday's conviction for the double murders spanning more than a decade.
The court heard that on 3 May 1990, the dismembered body of Melissa Halstead was discovered in the Westersingel Canal in Rotterdam.
In December 1994, four years after Melissa's disappearance, Sweeney almost killed Delia Balmer with whom he was in a relationship. She survived, but is physically and mentally scarred by the attack.
After attacking her with a knife and an axe, and leaving her for dead, Sweeney went on the run for six years and used various aliases before being arrested in London in March 2001 - a month after Paula's body was discovered.
In November 2001 Sweeney was convicted of the attempted murder of Delia Balmer.
The dismembered body of Paula Fields was found in several holdalls on 19 February 2001 in Regent's Canal, between Royal College Street and St Pancras Way, north west London.
A post mortem at St Pancras Mortuary held on 21 February 2001 failed to determine the cause of death.
(BMcN/KMcA)
Sentencing took place at the Old Bailey today with the judge imposing a 'whole life order' on Sweeney. Sweeney was also sentenced to ten years for perverting the course of justice - the sentences will run concurrently.
This follows yesterday's conviction for the double murders spanning more than a decade.
The court heard that on 3 May 1990, the dismembered body of Melissa Halstead was discovered in the Westersingel Canal in Rotterdam.
In December 1994, four years after Melissa's disappearance, Sweeney almost killed Delia Balmer with whom he was in a relationship. She survived, but is physically and mentally scarred by the attack.
After attacking her with a knife and an axe, and leaving her for dead, Sweeney went on the run for six years and used various aliases before being arrested in London in March 2001 - a month after Paula's body was discovered.
In November 2001 Sweeney was convicted of the attempted murder of Delia Balmer.
The dismembered body of Paula Fields was found in several holdalls on 19 February 2001 in Regent's Canal, between Royal College Street and St Pancras Way, north west London.
A post mortem at St Pancras Mortuary held on 21 February 2001 failed to determine the cause of death.
(BMcN/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
