Richard Howarth jailed for life for beating his partner to death

Richard Howarth

Richard Howarth (17/06/1974) who beat his partner, Anne-Marie Nield, to death, has been jailed.

Howarth, of Lincoln Drive, has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of 44-year old Anne-Marie.

At around 10.30am police were called to a flat on Oldham Road in Rochdale to do a concern for welfare check.

Police were alerted after Howarth sent text messages to his brother confessing that he had killed Anne-Marie. On arrival police sadly discovered her body. She had suffered multiple injuries.

Howarth was arrested by police at the scene.

Senior Investigating Officer, Duncan Thorpe, from GMP's Major Incident Support Unit said: “This was a tragic incident and my thoughts are with Anne-Marie’s family and friends, I can’t even being to comprehend how difficult the past few months must have been.

“Howarth had returned from the pub and began arguing with Anne-Marie, he then viciously attacked and killed her.

“Every couple argues, it is completely normal. What is not normal is when an argument spirals into violence and either partner ends up injured, or worse, dead.

“Howarth will now spend the next 15 years behind bars, and Anne-Marie’s family are now left to pick up the pieces.

“Domestic abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances and there are support services available for victims and families from the report to conviction."

If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone that is you can seek by contacting the Women's Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or visit endthefear.co.uk.

Report all incidents of domestic abuse to police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Always dial 999 where there is a threat to life or crime in progress. All reports are taken seriously.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/102843/murder-investigation-victim-named-as-annemarie-nield