Two individuals have been sentenced to two years in prison for perverting the course of justice in connection with the investigation into the death of Kerry Newman, a 40-year-old woman. Robert Halliwell of Olney, Rochdale, and Melanie Bullen of Shirburn, Rochdale, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court, where they pleaded guilty to the charges.
The incident dates back to Monday, July 17, 2023, when Kerry Newman’s body was discovered on land off New Barn Lane. CCTV footage revealed that Halliwell and Bullen had moved the body to that location in the early hours of the same day. Kerry was later found by a member of the public.
Kerry’s mother and stepfather expressed their grief, describing her as a “loving daughter and mother of two boys, taken away from us too soon.” They added a heartfelt message, saying, “She is now in heaven with the angels, rest in peace our beautiful girl.”
Detective Inspector Emma Hulston, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, condemned the heartless act of leaving Kerry alone without seeking medical attention. She expressed satisfaction at the court’s decision to imprison Bullen and Halliwell, emphasizing that their actions deserved punishment.
The police are now preparing a file for the coroner regarding Kerry’s death.
