SIMON GOOLD SENTENCED IN MANCHESTER FOR MURDER, RAPE, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
On Thursday, August 25, 2022, emergency services were dispatched to a property in Ashton-Under-Lyne following concerns raised about the welfare of a woman.When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the lifeless body of a 26-year-old woman, identified later as Elizabeth McCann.
The tragic discovery prompted an immediate investigation, leading to the arrest of a 52-year-old man, who was subsequently remanded into custody as the case progressed.
Elizabeth McCann's family has been receiving ongoing support from specialist Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers and various support services during this profoundly difficult period.
The investigation revealed that the suspect, Simon Goold, born on November 16, 1970, and residing on Manchester Road in Ashton-Under-Lyne, was responsible for the heinous crimes committed against Elizabeth.
Goold was formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including murder, rape, and assault by penetration.
Following his arraignment, he was remanded to await trial.
The case culminated on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, when Goold appeared before Manchester Crown Court.
The court sentenced him to a minimum of 35 years in prison, a sentence reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
During the sentencing, Duncan Thorpe of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit expressed his condolences to Elizabeth McCann’s family, emphasizing the brutality of the attack.
Thorpe stated, “Firstly, my thoughts are with Lizzie’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.
Lizzie was preyed upon by Simon Goold.
He befriended her and plied her with drinks.
He then took her back to his flat where he raped and sexually assaulted her, before strangling her with a ligature, she sadly died as a result of her injuries.” He further condemned Goold’s actions, describing him as an “extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today.” Thorpe highlighted the callousness of Goold’s behavior, noting that Goold claimed the incident was “a game gone wrong,” despite the horrific injuries sustained by Elizabeth, which were clearly non-consensual and inflicted with malicious intent.
The case underscores the tragic consequences of Goold’s actions and the importance of justice for Elizabeth McCann and her loved ones.
