Police praise Dionne’s family for their courage and dignity
ORDEAL OF LENGTHY TRIAL ENDS AS PAIR FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING MUM-OF-FOUR
THE detectives who led the investigation into Dionne Clark’s murder have praised her family for their “courage and dignity”.
Miss Clark’s loved ones have sat through a heart-wrenching and delay-hit trial at Birmingham Crown Court that has lasted for more than two months.
And on Thursday they finally saw justice done as Dominic Wallis and Elizabeth Ellis were found guilty of her murder at a home in Nuneaton in the summer of 2017.
Mum-of-four Miss Clark was beaten and tied up using parcel tape, duct tape and cables – she had suffered nearly 70 injuries to her face and head.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Hill, the senior investigating officer, said: “The circumstances surrounding how Dionne Clark was murdered were truly horrific – she was beaten repeatedly to her head, face and body.
“After being arrested, Dominic Wallis and Elizabeth Ellis lied to police, trying to cover their tracks and separate themselves from any involvement, they have shown no remorse for their actions and denied their guilt throughout.
“Through a combination of forensics and telecoms work and the diligent work of my investigation team, we were able to build a significant case against all defendants.
“My thoughts are with Dionne’s family who have been present throughout the trial. They have shown such courage and dignity throughout all of the lengthy proceedings. I hope the verdicts provide at least some comfort to them.”
Wallis, 28, and Ellis, 20, will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, alongside his parents who were found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Detective Sergeant Owen Fell, spoke outside the court after today’s verdicts, stating: “Dionne Clark was a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.
“Dominic Wallis and Elizabeth Ellis ended her life early in an attack that left her with 69 separate injuries.
“This verdict shows that both Dominic Wallis and Elizabeth Ellis were responsible and they will now face the consequences of their actions.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Dionne’s family, they’ve shown dignity and poise throughout both the investigation and the trial, and I’m sure Dionne’s death will leave a huge hole in their lives.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to the officers and staff who have worked on this investigation from the start. This verdict is a testament to their hard work.”