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A MANCHESTER MAN who was found guilty of killing his sister by dousing her in petrol and setting her alight has been jailed for life, with a minimum of 27 years.
Stephen Archer (51), of Victoria Street in Openshaw east of Manchester city centre, was sentenced for the murder of his sister, Julie Archer, at Manchester Crown Court today.
He was also found guilty of arson with intent to endanger life.
On 29 February 2016, police were called to a house on Surbiton Road in Newton Heath, Manchester by a woman who was trapped in an upstairs bedroom.
She said that her uncle had set her mother on fire and that she was trapped inside the house.
Julie Archer (49) was found with serious burns to her whole body. Upon arrival at hospital for treatment, it was identified that she had sustained 95% burns.
She died four days later.
Her daughter managed to escape the house by jumping from a bedroom window.
The court heard that Stephen Archer had thrown a mix of petrol and mineral spirit over his sister before setting the couch she was sitting on alight. He had brought these with him to her house to confront her over a disagreement after the death of their father.
The jury in the case heard how Archer evaded police after the incident, and went on the run.
Whilst eluding capture, he sent a birthday card to his mother and a get-well-soon card for Julie.
The card to his mother said: “Mum, just a note to say I’m truly sorry for what I did to Julie, but believe she deserved it for what she did to my dad”.
Senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe said: “First of all, my thoughts are with Julie’s family. The past year has been unimaginable for them. Hopefully today’s conclusion will go some way to help them move forward.
Stephen Archer killed his sister in cold blood. Not only did he kill Julie, he did so in a way that would cause a phenomenal amount of pain and suffering. He has shown no remorse.
The family of Julie Archer released a statement thanking all those who helped the woman and her daughter.
“Julie was a fantastic mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend,” it said. “Today’s verdict has given our family some justice but nothing will bring Julie back.
We love and miss her and she will forever be in our hearts.
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Animal he should get the needle!
@Colette Kearns: I agree. In a case like this when there is absolutely no doubt about his guilt and he has shown no remorse I’d have no problem with the death penalty.
@Colette Kearns: he wouldn’t have got half that in Ireland
@Colette Kearns: Why? That’s the easy way out. 27 years of solitary confinement should be the punishment.
@Dan: true how can our laws be so different
@Colette Kearns: I can’t see how giving him a tattoo is going to fix things
@Shane Corry I know what you mean, but it will cost the taxpayers well ove 100 million to keep him locked up + he could never be released. Im not really into the death penalty as there have been mistakes made ,but there are exceptions!
@Colette Kearns: an animal would never do such an evil thing!, the hang man should be brought back for people that evil !
@Colette Kearns: 100 million to lock him up? Are you mental? – It costs a lot more to put someone to death (various appeals, legal fees etc) than it does to lock them up for life.
@Stephen: Yea… Your just as bad mate. Move to Saudi if you like that kind of shit.
@jane: it would save the state a fortune keeping this slag in for 27 years
@SomeRandomIrishGuy: just as bad as??
Good judgement! Would have probably gotten all but 1 year suspended over here..
Yep…his solicitor would have played the ‘tough up bringing’ card…works every time.
@Brian O’Loughlin: I don’t agree with capital punishment
Prob would’ve got an 18 month suspended sentence here in the Banana Republic.
He should never get out that’s such a horrendous callous thing he did .
What did she do to her dad?!
@Jimmy Berg: that’s what I’d love to know too, what did she do to the father to make him kill her like that?
Stab in the dark. Killed him after years of abuse, or finding out her daughter was being abused.
Pure evil!! If this was Ireland prob have got 7 r 8 years
Thank God he’s not Muslim or Asian or the usual suspects would be out in force on the Journal.
@Frank’s Cat: Ur an idiot lad
@Shane Moynihan: Cool story, bro.
He needs to be slowly tortured to death.I hope he dies roaring.
Insane surely he has to be insane to do this to his sister no right thinking human would do this in a proper state of mind
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