Thug murdered defenceless mum on Valentine's Day and robbed her as she lay dead

03 November 2023 , 15:15

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David Scott has been jailed for life (Image: Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)

A man who savagely beat his flatmate to death with a claw hammer then robbed her as she lay lifeless has been jailed for life.

David Scott, 40, will spend at least 29 years behind bars for the horrific Valentine's Day murder this year of Sarah Brierley, 49, in Sheffield. The jury at Sheffield Crown Court heard how Scott unleashed a flurry of blows on Ms Brierley, inflicting severe head injuries.

Her body was discovered by police who broke into the property in Woodhouse, six days later. Evidence presented during the trial included a deleted image on Scott's mobile phone showing Ms Brierley's body with a bin bag over her head. His bloody footprints were also found at the crime scene, matching a pair of Adidas trainers he wore.

Scott's former girlfriend, Zoe Clark, 38, was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges. However, both were found guilty of theft after stealing a TV, pressure cooker, and coffee machine after Ms Brierley had been killed.

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Sarah Brierley was beaten to death with a claw hammer (Yorkshire Live/MEN Media)

In his sentencing remarks, the Honourable Mr Justice Kerr stated that he was satisfied Scott had attacked Ms Brierley with a claw hammer, similar to one he had used in a robbery just days before the murder. He noted that Scott and Ms Brierley had taken a bus together on the day of the murder and "spoke normally".

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Mr Justice Kerr stated: "It is probable you struck her, and did so in jealousy of her professed love for Zoe Clark. You killed her in a rage. You were alone with her in the early hours of February 14 when then, or later, you put a cloth in her mouth, covered her head, and struck her at least five times to the head. A pathologist explained the horrific force used to cause these injuries."

The judge said that Scott, found guilty of murder, robbery, and theft, often carried a claw hammer to rob people for drug money. During sentencing, the court heard from Ms Brierley's sister, Lisa Dawson, who told how her life "spiralled" after being sexually abused as a child. Her abuser was convicted and sentenced.

Ms Dawson said: "This changed her personality... counselling didn't work out and her life spiralled to depression, drugs and prostitution. She became addicted to heroin for a number of years. We always tried our hardest to keep some form of contact so we knew she was safe. She had two children but they were taken into care and adopted.

"She liked colouring and music but because of our family situation, there is a lot I don't know about her. Me and Sarah had started to talk more but I found out through social media she had been murdered. She wanted to be part of the family and was always willing to help others out even when she didn't have a lot herself."

The court also heard from a man who was robbed by Scott and two other masked men nine days before Ms Brierley's murder. "At the time I was seriously scared for my life. I would have given him anything I had to stop the attack. It has massively affected my life and living," he said.

Matthew Sherratt, mitigating for Scott, said his client had a troubled childhood and had been addicted to drugs since he was 14. He had 33 previous convictions for dishonesty and driving offences.

The court heard Clark was on a suspended sentence at the time of Ms Brierley's murder. After that, she was convicted of handling a stolen vehicle and possession of crack cocaine. She had 11 previous convictions on her record, also for dishonesty matters.

Andrew Vout, defending Clark, stated that his client would "have to bear the responsibility" of introducing her friend to Scott. He also mentioned there was "no evidence" to suggest Clark had been in the flat while Sarah's body was there.

Mr Vout said: "The defendant is a very fragile, damaged person in terms of what he has to bear. It is of no doubt she was a friend to Sarah and she introduced him [Scott] to her and she bears that responsibility which is a heavy burden to carry."

The judge expressed that he "couldn't be sure" that Clark "knew Ms Brierley was dead when she took the TV". Clark was sentenced to one year in prison for theft.