25 YEARS IN JAIL FOR AN IRLAM MAN WHO BRUTALLY STABBED HIS EX-PARTNER TO DEATH

On Wednesday 16 January 2019, 42-year-old Alison Hunt was brutally murdered in her own home by Vernon Holmes – a man she had previously been in a long-term relationship with.

In a presentation of the facts of the case, the prosecution told the court how Holmes (11/04/71) of Caroline Street, Irlam, stabbed Alison repeatedly in the chest, back and neck 18 times before leaving her laying in a pool of blood in the hallway of her family home in Swinton as her daughter slept in her bed upstairs.

Holmes then fled the scene, making off in his red Mini Cooper before disposing of the knife he used to kill Alison.

Officers quickly traced the red Mini Cooper, which was parked outside Holmes’ address and he was subsequently arrested in the early hours of Thursday 17 January 2019.

They used CCTV to track the movements of the Mini and DNA and blood from his victim were found present in his car.

He maintained “no comment” to all questions put to him throughout police interview and continued to deny killing Alison throughout trial. However today (Friday 19 July 2019) a jury at Manchester Crown Court found him guilty of murdering Alison.

Judge David Stockdale QC, described how Holmes had a history of controlling and jealous behaviour during his relationship with Miss Hunt.

It is believed he took Alison's life in a jealous rage after learning she had engaged in a serious relationship with another man.

His actions that evening left Alison's 16 year old daughter robbed of a loving mother.

Holmes was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years in prison.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe, of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said:

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“This is a heartbreaking case in which a young woman has tragically lost her life and I cannot begin to imagine what her family are continuing to go through.

“Holmes denied killing Alison and his cowardice put her family through further agony, but thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he will have to spend the next 25 years behind bars, reflecting on the misery and pain he has caused.

“My heartfelt thoughts today however remain with Alison – a devoted mother who was taken from her family and friends in the most tragic and senseless way. And whilst no jail term can ever bring her back, I hope that today’s sentence provides some comfort to those who loved her and bring them the opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives.”