A man has been handed a life sentence for the murder of Raymond Groves in Easterton. The 48-year-old from Hartcliffe, Bristol, died after a sustained stabbing attack at a property in Strawberry Fields on 2 July 2024. After an 11-week trial in May, Antony Hiller, 33, from Brooklands, Royal Wootton Bassett, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 26 years today, exactly two years after the incident. Two other women involved received sentences for manslaughter and involvement. 
Attack At Strawberry Fields
Raymond Groves had been invited to the Easterton address by Helen Shakespeare, 53, and Letishia Goodwin, 29, on the day of the killing. Shakespeare greeted Raymond at the door while Hiller waited inside. Once inside, Raymond was subjected to a brutal attack, stabbed multiple times. Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 
Co-conspirators Sentenced
Helen Shakespeare was found guilty of manslaughter and received a five-year prison sentence, while Letishia Goodwin was convicted of participating in the murder and given a hospital order. Goodwin was declared unfit to stand trial, so her case was heard in her absence.
Investigation Unveiled Plot
The Major Crime Investigation Team uncovered extensive mobile phone and CCTV evidence, revealing that Hiller and the others had planned the attack on Raymond weeks in advance. Goodwin called 999 after being brought back to the property by Hiller to report a male found dead at the home.
Police Pay Tribute
James Purcell of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “This was an exceptionally complex investigation involving conflicting accounts and a violent, fast-moving incident. Our team worked tirelessly to reconstruct Raymond’s final moments and establish the months-long planning behind this attack.”
Detective Chief Inspector Deb Hatch added: “Raymond’s death was the result of a brutal and sustained attack. We pay tribute to all officers involved and send our thoughts to Raymond’s family, who have shown extraordinary strength throughout this difficult process.”
