Murder of Paula Leather was 'unspeakable barbaric savagery'

George Leather, 60, launched the attack on wife Paula at their home on Tinling Close, Prescot in November last year.

Paula, a long-serving worker at the Asda supermarket in St Helens, had suffered around 50 to 100 injuries to her face and neck and between 200 to 300 injuries to her body in total.

Judge Andrew Menary QC said that “in an episode of unspeakable and barbaric savagery” Leather had brutally killed his “loyal and supportive” wife Paula.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that after losing his temper after drinking Leather, who wrongly suspected her of being unfaithful, broke three kitchen knives in the relentless attack on her during which he rained down blows.

George Leather

Gordon Cole, QC, prosecuting, said that after the appalling attack Leather stepped over her body at the foot of the stairs and went for a shower and change of clothing before ringing his brother Peter to say that he had “better come around”.

When he and his wife arrived at the house just after 1am on Monday, November 16 last year they found the devoted 56-year-old gran dead, in a scene that will haunt them forever. Leather nonchalantly said he had killed her.

Paula Leather in an image released by her family

They called the police and Leather stood outside waiting for them to arrive, holding his arms out to be arrested.

He later told police he could not explain how he had become so violent and believed she had been unfaithful.

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He said they had argued and he punched her to the floor in the hallway and then went into the kitchen and got a knife.

Heart-breaking impact statements were read to the court by relatives including the couple’s daughter and two sons who spoke of their devastation at losing their lovely and loving mum and their hatred for their father for killing her.

Her eldest son, father of Paula’s only grandchild, has changed his surname in disgust.

Judge Menary, who imposed a minimum term of 18 years in prison before he can apply for parole, said it was clear that the victim was a “delightful person with close and loving relationships with her immediate and extended family".

Paula's family released this picture of the much-loved mum and grandmother

“In particular she was plainly deeply loved by her children who relied on her for support and guidance and loving friendship.”

He told shaven-headed Leather, who pleaded guilty to murder and showed no emotion: “Frankly it is impossible to overstate the level of violence you used - a feature of this case which is bound to have a profound and lasting effect on her family.”

The court heard that the couple had been married for 34 years and although he walked out on her and their children for two years about 20 years ago he came back and she gave up a new love she had found to allow him back into her life.

He was described as having an”obsessive and controlling nature” but Paula, remained loyal to him despite his “very difficult and undermining attitude towards her.”

He enjoyed building tension in the marriage but would apologise before the cycle started again.

Judge Menary said that Leather’s belief that she was having an affair “was a figment of your imagination that fed your general controlling attitude".

Julian Nutter, defending, said that Leather, who had worked as a taxi driver, has no previous convictions and had pleaded guilty, not wanting to put his family through the ordeal of a trial. It was not premeditated and it appeared to arise from loss of temper, he added.

He said Leather was drunk and it would not have happened if he had not been drunk. He still loves his wife and family who “was the best wife and mother a man could ever want “and he prays for her and the family every day", adding: “He hopes that through the Lord Jesus Christ he is eventually forgiven for what he has done.”

Leather's children all glared at their father while reading their moving statements and after he was jailed a man in the public gallery shouted to him: “I hope you rot.”

The court was told Leather had repeatedly written to his children from jail and even got a cell mate on release to post letters to them and had sent them a list of personal belongings he wanted them to fetch from the house for him.

The judge imposed a lifetime restraining order on the defendant banning him from contacting them in any way.

In a statement following the murder in November 2020, Paula's family said: "Our gorgeous Mum has sadly been taken away from us in the most tragic of circumstances.

"Paula was beautiful inside and out; so kind, so loving and she was the person that was there for everyone. She was the mum of Jason, Jessica and Matthew and the proudest nanny to her first grandson.

"Paula was devoted to siblings Karen, Ian and Peter, to her large loving family and to her wonderful friends. She was a beautiful soul within her community with a smile to light up the world.

"Mum will be missed beyond words but the life, the love and the memories we shared together will live on forever.

As a family and in the memory of our beautiful mum Paula, we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness to the support out there if you are experiencing domestic abuse or to those affected by it.

"National Domestic Abuse Helpline

"Freephone: 0808 200 247 (24 hours)

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

"If you are in danger or feel unsafe, call the Police on 999."