MARK BUCKLEY'S HORRIFIC CRIME AT ORRELL WATER PARK IN WIGAN AND PRESTON
A man identified as Mark Buckley, aged 52, has been sentenced to serve a minimum of 31 years in prison for the brutal and sexually motivated murder of an 18-year-old college student at a scenic location in Wigan.The incident took place at Orrell Water Park, a popular beauty spot, in June, shocking the local community and drawing widespread media attention.
According to court proceedings, Buckley, who resides on New Hall Lane in Preston, carried out a premeditated attack that was described as both chilling and savage.
The victim, Ellen Higginbottom, was a young woman with her entire life ahead of her, including plans to marry her boyfriend, Ryan Warren.
Her tragic death has left her family and friends devastated, and her future aspirations forever unfulfilled.
During a previous hearing at Manchester Crown Court, Buckley admitted to the charges brought against him.
The court heard that the murder was sexually motivated, yet police confirmed that Ellen was chosen at random, making her attack even more senseless and horrifying.
Judge David Stockdale QC condemned the act as “cowardly and callous,” emphasizing the brutality of the crime and the cold calculation behind it.
The court was told that Ellen Higginbottom was reported missing on June 16 after she failed to return home from Winstanley College.
Her body was discovered the following day, with a post-mortem examination revealing she had died from multiple wounds to her neck.
Police estimate that she was killed around 14:00 BST, and her death has been described as “beyond imagining” by investigators.
Slightly built and unaware of her attacker’s intentions, Ellen was unable to offer much physical resistance during the assault.
The Honorary Recorder of Manchester stated that despite her vulnerability, her wounds indicated she had attempted to defend herself, albeit unsuccessfully.
Buckley, armed with a knife, subjected her to a savage and brutal attack, catching her completely off guard.
The court described the attack as “brutal,” with the judge noting that Ellen would have had no idea it was coming and was “caught entirely off her guard.” Following the attack, Buckley took Ellen’s laptop and mobile phone and fled the scene.
He later returned to the park with the apparent intention of burying her body under cover of darkness.
However, his plans were thwarted when a police helicopter equipped with heat-seeking technology hovered overhead, forcing him to flee the scene once again.
He was eventually arrested, and during police interviews, Buckley admitted to killing Ellen but was unable to provide any explanation for his actions.
Prosecutor Neil Fryman highlighted that the murder was both premeditated and sexually motivated, emphasizing the calculated nature of Buckley’s actions.
The court was also informed that Ellen Higginbottom was planning her future with her fiancé, and her death has robbed them of their dreams and plans for a family.
Following the sentencing, Ellen’s father, Mike Higginbottom, expressed his grief and anger, stating, “There can never be anything even remotely approaching justice for what was done to Ellen.” He reflected on the precious 18 years they shared with her and described her as someone who made the world a better place through her words and actions.
His words conveyed the deep pain and frustration felt by the family, especially considering the senselessness of her death.
Mr.
Higginbottom also offered a message to others, urging them to grow up and think carefully before engaging in reckless or violent behavior.
“If there’s anyone out there thinking of doing anything even half this stupid, just take one piece of advice.
Grow up,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Howard Millington from Greater Manchester Police commented on the case, stating, “Buckley callously killed Ellen in broad daylight.
He attacked her in the most brutal way as she was walking around Orrell Water Park before going to meet her friends who were taking their exams.” The prosecution and police have described the attack as a tragic example of random violence, with investigators emphasizing the cold and calculated nature of Buckley’s actions, which led to the loss of a young life in a peaceful community setting.
