ADAM BRETTLE'S BRUTAL MURDER OF SAMANTHA GOSNEY IN ST HELENS LEADS TO LIFE SENTENCE

 |  Red Rose Database

St Helens Domestic Homicide
Adam Brettle, a 24-year-old man from St Helens, has been convicted of the murder of his partner, Samantha Gosney, in a case that has shocked the local community and drawn significant media attention. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of controlling and jealous behavior on the part of Brettle, which culminated in a violent and tragic act of domestic homicide.

According to court reports, the incident took place at Ms Gosney's residence in St Helens, Merseyside. The young woman, a mother of two, was attempting to attend her grandmother's funeral—a plan that appeared to trigger a violent outburst from Brettle. Witnesses and evidence presented during the trial indicated that Brettle's jealousy and possessiveness had been escalating, and he was known to be a violent individual with a tendency toward controlling behavior.

On the day of the attack, Ms Gosney dialed 999 in a desperate attempt to seek help as the assault was unfolding. However, during the emergency call, the line fell silent, leaving responders unable to hear her pleas. Paramedics who arrived at the scene described the attack as 'frenzied and gruesome,' with Brettle repeatedly assaulting Ms Gosney in a violent rage. The court heard that the attack was brutal, with Brettle stabbing her multiple times, leading to her tragic death.

During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the couple's recent disputes, especially those concerning the grandmother's funeral. Ms Gosney had expressed her desire to attend the funeral, but Brettle had strongly objected, which appeared to be a significant factor in the escalation of violence. The evidence also included testimonies about Brettle's history of violent and jealous behavior, painting a picture of a man prone to aggression and control.

In her victim impact statement, Ms Gosney's mother described her as a 'gorgeous, bubbly girl always full of beans.' She expressed profound grief and heartbreak over her daughter's loss, stating, 'Her world fell apart that night.' The court's verdict reflected the severity of the crime, with Brettle being sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs before tragedy strikes.
← Back to search results