Facebook stalker jailed for woman's murder
Monday 06 February 2012
Latest in Crime
Related articles
On Facebook
From the blogs
Why it’s not all quiet on the ‘Western Fail’ front
The 'National Newspaper of Wales', has today found itself at the heart of a Twitter storm. Rob Willi...
Charitable rape: Peacekeepers dirty little secrets
Last summer I travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to help establish the first free l...
Islam is not “the enemy” – irrational hatred is
In recent days, Wired magazine in the US reported that a military officer and lecturer in a US prest...
Lady Gaga corrupting youth, Bieber Fever and other reasons for gig cancellations
Are pop concerts the latest battle ground of moral superiority? Well, with Lady Gaga’s Indonesian co...
A man who stalked his ex-girlfriend on Facebook before luring her to his flat and stabbing her to death was today jailed for a minimum of 21 years.
Clifford Mills, 49, was given a life sentence for the murder of Lorna Smith after being found guilty by a jury on Friday.
Passing sentence today at the Old Bailey, the Common Serjeant of London Judge Brian Barker QC said: "You have had a number of personal problems. The background to this case was one of selfish and manipulative behaviour. It was a shocking waste of a productive and a loyal life.
"This was a planned killing and an explosion of violent temper that led to the death of someone who had, over the years, done everything she could to help you."
Mills had claimed that when he committed the murder he was suffering from a mental disorder.
He told staff at St Thomas' Hospital in central London that someone called "Stan" had committed the murder, and that "Stan" existed in his head.
The judge went on: "This was a terrible act and I have no doubt that you planned to kill her and I have no doubt that she suffered before she died and you must take responsibility for your actions.
"This was a crime arising out of jealousy and anger and you have constantly sought to evade your responsibility."
Mills and Miss Smith, who was 45 when she died, met in 2002 but their relationship broke down four years later.
Mills remained in contact with her, including using the alias Charlie Manning to befriend her on Facebook.
Eventually, after Miss Smith began seeing another man, he lured her to his south London flat, where he hit her with a pick axe handle before stabbing her.
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson QC read the court an impact statement from Miss Smith's daughter Louise Harvey.
It said: "My mum lived for her family, especially her grandchildren. She was so kind, such a hard worker and a good friend to others. I have Mum's ashes at home with me because I want to feel close to her."
Ms Harvey, who was three months pregnant when her mother died, said she felt "anguish" that Miss Smith would never meet her baby daughter.
The statement continued: "I also think about the terrible way she died and the fear and pain she must have been in. I sometimes think these thoughts will haunt me for the rest of my life."
Mills, of Morrish Road, Brixton, south London, will serve a minimum term of 21 years in prison.
PA
- 1 Double trouble at JP Morgan: trader's losses could exceed $7bn
- 2 Born poor, stay poor: the scandal of social immobility
- 3 Journalists who stalked hacking MP still employed by Rupert Murdoch
- 4 News in pictures
- 5 Millions of Asians watch 'ring of fire' eclipse
- 6 'Honour killing' trial: I saw my parents murder Shafilea, says sister
- 7 Tony Blair and George Bush's phone conversation a week before Iraq invasion 'must be released'
- 8 In pictures: The bewildering face of China
- 9 Ten adverts that shocked the world
- 10 Cloud of Syria's war hangs over Lebanese cleric's death
- 1 Double trouble at JP Morgan: trader's losses could exceed $7bn
- 2 Jenni Murray: Robin Gibb didn't lose any 'battle'
- 3 Born poor, stay poor: the scandal of social immobility
- 4 Journalists who stalked hacking MP still employed by Rupert Murdoch
- 5 Portugal 'sells' Ronaldo to Spain in £160m deal on national debt
- 6 Man faces GM wheat break-in charges
- 7 Fabio Capello in the mix to become next Liverpool manager
- 8 Ancient language discovered on clay tablets found amid ruins of 2800 year old Middle Eastern palace
- 9 French in uproar over oral sex anti-smoking posters
- 10 Coke reveals its secret: It may need to carry a cancer warning
Experience the Heineken Hub
Get free wi-fi and exclusive i content while you enjoy a tasty pint of Heineken at participating pubs.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Career Services
Day In a Page


