Couple jailed for murdering man in gun and acid attack over Tinder date rape claim

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Summary:

  • Michael Hillier and Rachel Falstow sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Liam Smith.
  • The murder plot stemmed from Falstow's claims of non-consensual sex, which she alleged happened after meeting Smith on Tinder in 2019.
  • CCTV footage revealed the couple's stalking of Liam Smith and the cold-blooded nature of the attack.
  • The court emphasized that Hillier and Falstow acted as their own executioners, bypassing the legal system.
  • Liam Smith's family expressed their grief and highlighted his inability to address the assault allegations publicly.
  • The lack of remorse shown by the perpetrators and the impact on the victim's family were significant factors in the sentencing.


A couple has been sentenced to life in prison for the cold-blooded and brutal murder of Liam Smith, an electrician and father of two, following a plot involving a gun and acid attack. Michael Hillier and Rachel Falstow orchestrated the attack over Falstow's claims of non-consensual sex, which she alleged had occurred after meeting Smith on the dating app Tinder in 2019.


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### CCTV Footage Reveals Stalking
CCTV footage presented in court captured Michael Hillier stalking Liam Smith in Wigan in November. Hillier and Rachel Falstow had hatched a plan to take revenge on Smith due to Falstow's assertion that she had been sexually assaulted by him in 2019. The couple did not report the alleged assault to the police.

### A Deadly Plot Unfolds
Hillier and Falstow meticulously planned the attack, obtaining a vehicle with fake number plates. The surveillance footage depicted Hillier wearing high-visibility clothing outside Smith's residence, where he lured Smith out of his house. In a cold-blooded act, Hillier shot Smith in the face and then doused him with acid.

### Judgment and Sentencing
The judge presiding over the case remarked that Hillier and Falstow took the law into their own hands, acting as judge, jury, and executioner. Their actions were deemed ruthless and merciless. Despite Falstow's claim of sexual assault, the court found their response disproportionate. Both Hillier and Falstow were sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the murder.

### Victim's Family Responds
Following the sentencing, Liam Smith's family released a statement through which they expressed their grief over the loss of their loved one. They highlighted that Smith had been denied the opportunity to defend himself publicly against the allegations of sexual assault. The family conveyed the emotional devastation caused by the events of that fateful night.

### Lack of Remorse and Life Sentences
The judge noted that Hillier and Falstow displayed no remorse for their actions. The court handed down life sentences to both individuals, emphasizing the severity of their crime and the impact it had on the victim's family and loved ones.

### Conclusion
The case of Liam Smith's murder highlights the tragic consequences of vigilantism and taking the law into one's own hands. The court's decision to impose life sentences reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to uphold the principles of justice and due process.


Kassar Minerva-Totsi, reporting for Sky News, Manchester.

Location: London, UK

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