Stratford pair sentenced to life for murder of Bethany Hill - The Stratford Observer

Stratford pair sentenced to life for murder of Bethany Hill

Stratford Editorial 25th Jan, 2017   0

TWO ‘EVIL individuals’ have been sentenced to life in prison today (Wednesday January 25) at Warwick Crown Court after being found guilty of the murder of Bethany Hill.

Jack Williams, 21, of Redlands Crescent, Stratford-upon-Avon has been told he must serve a minimum term of 26 years in prison before any consideration is made for release.

Kayleigh Woods, 23, of Hertford Road, Stratford-upon-Avon has been told she must serve a minimum of 26 years in prison before any consideration is made for release.

Both had pleaded not guilty.




Police launched an investigation after the body of Bethany, aged 20, was found with a knife wound to the neck, at an address on Hertford Road on the evening of February 3, 2016.

Following the sentencing, Bethany’s family released a statement.


They said: “We wish we could put into words how these two evil individuals have caused us to feel. The heartbreak of knowing that we will never see our beautiful Beth again, that they have denied her the chance to see her nieces and nephews grow up and taken her from us in such a brutal, cruel way, is unbearable.

Bethany Hill.

“Beth was a fun loving girly girl who would naturally be able to brighten up any room with her laughter and energetic personality. Everyone warmed to her because of her genuine, warm manner of life. All those who knew her appreciated her kindness. We are, as a family, still coming to terms with the grievous loss that has left us empty, yet our hearts are full of those loving memories which no-one will be able to take from us. The joy she gave to us and those around her throughout her short life – these memories continue to bring us light in the darkest of days.

“To us she will remain a diamond in the sky, a beautiful, loving young woman with everything to live for. Beth was a sister, an aunt, a best friend and a daughter, who we tried to protect.

“Beth was killed by two people who have shown no remorse or understanding of how their monstrous actions have impacted on our lives and so many other lives.

“We would like to thank all those that have supported the family and helped bring the successful prosecution. We now ask that the media respect our privacy going forward as we will be giving no further comment.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Neal Candelent from Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit said: “Bethany’s murder was a cold-blooded killing of an entirely innocent young woman in the prime of her life, for which Woods and Williams have shown no remorse.

“We may never fully know what happened in the hours leading up to her death, but we know that Bethany was held against her will before being brutally murdered.

“I would like to pay tribute to Bethany’s family. Throughout the initial investigation and in the weeks and months since, they have shown immense dignity and courage. I hope that they will be able to take comfort from the fact Woods and Williams will be behind bars and will not be able to cause harm to another family.

“I would also like to thank the prosecution team, police officers and staff who worked so hard to investigate this dreadful crime and to bring these two individuals to justice. An incredible amount of dedication and professionalism has gone in to helping secure today’s convictions.

“Finally, I would like to thank the community of Stratford-upon-Avon for their understanding and support during the early stages of this investigation. Their co-operation was vital.”

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Stratford Observer.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Stratford Observer.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.