Cage fighter killed ex in knife attack
AFORMER professional cage fighter has been found guilty of the murder of his ex-girlfriend.
Violent criminal Andrew Wadsworth, 37, stabbed to death beautician Melissa Belshaw, 32, two months after he came out of prison consumed by an obsession about her sex life.
Fuelled by cocaine and alcohol, Wadsworth subjected Ms Belshaw to a prolonged attack in her bedroom.
A passer-by bravely rescued Ms Belshaw’s 13-year-old daughter by smashing into the house in Billinge, Wigan, with a hammer before Wadsworth came outside and chased a stranger who he pinned to the ground and knifed repeatedly before police intervened.
A jury at Manchester Crown Court yesterday found the defendant guilty of murder and attempted murder.
He was cleared of making a threat to kill against Ms Belshaw’s daughter.
The trial heard Wadsworth, of Cranfield Road, Wigan, regularly accused Ms Belshaw from September 2019 of cheating on him, including by working as a prostitute.
Wadsworth admitted stabbing Ms Belshaw at her home in Upholland Road.
Wadsworth came out of prison on licence in November 2017 following convictions in 2011 for robbery, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, aggravated burglary and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was recalled in January 2019 after a positive test for cocaine and was then released again on March 4 this year following a parole board hearing.
He will be sentenced today.