Two Women Jailed Over Murderer’s Escape Bid
Two women who helped killer Billy Dole flee the UK have been handed prison sentences totalling over seven years. Rachel Woods and Linda Harris (aka Linda Cutts) aided Dole’s getaway after he murdered Peter Beale in September 2018.
How They Helped Billy Dole Flee
On the night of 17 September 2018, Dole fatally attacked 39-year-old Peter Beale near Rochester High Street Bridge. The next morning, a member of the public found Mr Beale’s body. Woods, Dole’s partner, immediately called on her mother, Harris, for help. Together, they secretly arranged and funded Dole’s flight to Turkey, with onward travel to Cyprus to evade arrest.
Police Crack the Case
Kent Police tracked the escape using CCTV footage and financial records that showed their involvement. They arrested Dole at Gatwick Airport after his return a week later. Woods initially stonewalled police, claiming Dole had gone to work and pressed her mother not to cooperate. But Harris eventually admitted she’d driven Dole to Stansted Airport. Further investigations revealed Harris had tried to cover their tracks by searching for CCTV locations linked to the murder scene.
Sentences Delivered
- Rachel Woods, 32, of Chorister Crescent, Hoo, was found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced to 3 years and 10 months.
- Linda Harris, 57, of School Road, Wisbech, Norfolk, pleaded guilty and received a 3 year 5 month sentence.
- Killer Billy Dole, 29, pleaded guilty to murder in March 2019 and is due to be sentenced alongside his accomplice Levi Webb for manslaughter on 31 January 2020.
Detective Chief Inspector Tristan Kluibenschadl said: “These two offenders knowingly and willingly tried to help Billy Dole escape justice despite knowing the serious nature of his crime. Their actions showed total disregard for the victim and his family. I’m pleased their attempts to obstruct justice were swiftly uncovered and they’ve now been held accountable.”
