STEVEN MUTCH SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CHELL HEATH

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Stoke-on-Trent, Steven Mutch, a 45-year-old man, was handed a life sentence after admitting to the murder of his partner, Mark Everard. The incident took place in May, and the case was brought before Stafford Crown Court, where Mutch initially denied any involvement in Mr. Everard's death. However, at the start of the trial, he changed his plea to guilty, leading to a conviction that has left many in the area devastated.

Mr. Everard was found deceased outside a residence in Chell Heath, a neighborhood within Stoke-on-Trent. The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was abdominal injuries, which pointed to a violent assault. The circumstances surrounding his death raised immediate concern, especially given the suspicious details that emerged during the investigation.

Mutch had claimed that Mr. Everard had suffered a fall and was unconscious when found. However, the police and paramedics quickly became suspicious due to the bloodstains discovered in their flat on Bishop Road, where the incident occurred. Witnesses and investigators noted Mutch's suspicious behavior at the scene, which further fueled doubts about his initial account.

Leading the investigation was Detective Chief Inspector Darren Harding, who uncovered that the relationship between Mutch and Mr. Everard had lasted for approximately five years. The evidence collected pointed towards a violent altercation that resulted in Mr. Everard's tragic death. The court heard that Mutch's actions were deliberate, and his guilty plea confirmed his responsibility for the fatal injuries inflicted upon his partner.

During sentencing, the court imposed a minimum term of 16 years behind bars, but also sentenced Mutch to life imprisonment, reflecting the severity of the crime. The case has left the victim's family seeking closure, as they mourn the loss of Mark Everard and hope that justice has been served. The verdict marks a significant step in addressing the violence that occurred in Stoke-on-Trent and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence.