‘Dangerous’ killer is locked up for life
A‘ DANGEROUS and possessive’ man who killed his girlfriend by beating and strangling her has been detained for life.
Matthew Bolland, 44, had already been found guilty of unlawfully killing Bosley mum-of-four Pamela Mellor, who was his on-off partner.
And at a sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court he was detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.
Miss Mellor, 55, was found dead at a flat in Handforth in August last year and had previously warned police that Bolland would ‘end up killing someone’.
The jury had been read a statement from Miss Mellor which described to police how, a few months before her death, Bolland had locked her in a hotel room, grabbed her by the neck and headbutted her.
Another from her described him as ‘ being violent and aggressive’ and ended by saying, ‘he will end up killing someone’.
Bolland had been charged with murder but was deemed to be unfit to enter a plea or stand trial due to mental health issues.
Consequently, the jury ruled on whether Bolland was responsible for unlawful killing - which members did do unanimously.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, from Cheshire Police said: “Pamela Ann Mellor was subjected to a horrific degree of violence and died of the extensive injuries she sustained.
“Bolland was a possessive, jealous and controlling boyfriend. Pamela was scared of him, as were other people they both knew.
“Upon sentencing him, the judge ruled that Bolland is likely to remain a danger to the public for the rest of his life.
“Now that Bolland has been detained indefinitely under a hospital order, he is no longer a danger to society. I hope this gives Pamela’s family some comfort.”
On the night of her death Miss Mellor and Bolland, of Wilmslow, had been seen arguing after he accused her of cheating on him.
A witness, who was also at the Handforth flat, saw him kneeling next to a motionless Miss Mellor in the lounge and pushing both of his hands down on her head area.
A post-mortem examination also revealed evidence indicating that she had been strangled as well as beaten to the head and face.
Following the attack, Bolland called his mum and told her that he had murdered Miss Mellor, as he believed that she had been cheating on him.
He also admitted murdering her when initially questioned by the police.
But he later changed his account and accused another man of going into the flat, knocking him out and killing Miss Mellor whilst he was unconscious.
Bolland also claimed his confessions were based on him assuming that he was responsible having found Miss Mellor dead when he woke up.
Evidence from arresting officers read to the court said when detained Bolland had blood on his hands, face and jacket.
The family of Miss Mellor, of Stoneyfold Lane, paid tribute to her upon her death.
They said: “Our loving mum was a caring, gentle soul who was well-known and loved within the community.
“Our mum would contact us daily and ensured we were always put first. She will be truly missed and will forever be in our hearts.”