- Man sentenced to 48 years for Christmas Eve murder
- Emotional scenes as family members react to the sentencing
- Co-defendant also sentenced in connection with the crime
The judge at Liverpool Crown Court informs Connor Chapman that his actions were “utterly shocking” and that he “had no regard for others.”
A man who murdered a 26-year-old beautician on Christmas Eve by firing a submachine gun into a crowd outside a tavern was sentenced to a minimum of 48 years in prison.
Thursday, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Connor Chapman, age 23, guilty of the murder of Elle Edwards.
After his sentencing on Friday, Ms. Edwards’ family yelled “goodbye lad,” “scumbag,” and “rat” as Chapman left the dock.
“I am convinced that you are an extremely dangerous individual,” Liverpool Crown Court judge Mr. Justice Goose told Chapman.
“During this trial, everyone has viewed the CCTV footage and audio recording of the gunshot.
“It is startling. You meticulously plotted a gang-related retaliation attack. You had no regard for anyone else, much less for innocent individuals.”
Mark Rhind KC, representing the defendant, said “very little” mitigation and “I cannot suggest there is remorse.”
He also stated that one of Chapman’s two offspring he never met. By the time he is released, they will have reached middle age.
Tim Edwards, the father of Ms. Edward, stated outside of court following the sentencing, “Thank goodness he now has 48 years, and I pray he never sees Christmas again.
If I live long enough, I will do everything I can to keep him in prison.
Referring to the lengthy sentence, Mr. Edwards added, “If you’re thinking of picking up a gun right now, you should think twice.”
In addition, he stated that those investigating the case “did not give up” and were “persistent.”
Susan Edwards, Elle’s grandmother, wrote in her impact statement that her granddaughter was “extremely special to me and my best friend.”
She added, “If I were to die tomorrow, the coroner would write on my death certificate, cause of death: ‘She died of a broken heart.’
Chapman fired 12 Skorpion submachine gun bullets into the Wallasey Lighthouse Inn 10 minutes before Christmas 2013.
In addition to murdering Ms. Edwards, he also injured five males, of whom two were his intended targets.
Thomas Waring, 20, was sentenced to nine years in prison for possessing a banned weapon and helping an offender.
He assisted in the destruction of the stolen Mercedes used in the homicide.
Chapman was convicted guilty of murdering Ms. Edwards after a trial lasting more than three weeks.
In addition, he was convicted on two counts of attempted murder, two counts of wounding with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one count of assault resulting in actual bodily harm, and possession of a firearm.
Ms. Edwards’ family attended every day of Chapman’s trial, and the conviction was a “huge relief” for them.
