Loan shark and enforcer guilty of 'brutal' attack

Jemma Marshall and Jason Wadsworth preyed on vulnerable people, police said

A loan shark and her enforcer who dragged a vulnerable drug user into a car and beat him in a "truly vile" attack that led to his death have been found guilty of manslaughter.

Martin Shaw was bundled into the vehicle by Jemma Marshall and Jason Wadsworth in Oldham at about 21:30 BST on 10 September 2023.

The 45-year-old victim was hit repeatedly, suffering broken ribs and a ruptured spleen, before being taken to hospital where he died on 4 November.

Marshall and Wadsworth, both 37 and of Shaw in Oldham, were cleared of Mr Shaw's murder but jurors at Manchester Crown Court convicted them of manslaughter.

The court heard Marshall grew annoyed about blood being sprayed inside her vehicle during the attack.

After the beating, the pair drove Mr Shaw back to his home, entering without permission, where Wadsworth was overheard shouting at him: "You better give her, her money."

Det Ch Insp Neil Higginson of Greater Manchester Police said: "This vicious attack, for which neither perpetrator has expressed remorse, was truly vile and I am glad they are now behind bars."

Mark Andrews of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Despite Mr Shaw's death occurring almost eight weeks after the assault, the Crown Prosecution Service were determined to prove that Marshall and Wadsworth's actions were a significant factor in his death."

'Terrifying and brutal'

Jurors heard Marshall exploited vulnerable drug users by taking substances with them before claiming they owed her money, with the alleged debts rising over time.

Wadsworth would then act as an enforcer, and use violence and intimidation to reinforce her demands.

On the evening he was attacked, Mr Shaw had been walking home along Ashton Road from a local shop when he was pulled into the car and beaten.

His attackers were later seen on CCTV leaving Mr Shaw's home a couple of minutes after entering.

Police went to the property and Mr Shaw said he had been beaten.

Later that evening, the 45-year-old collapsed and was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital.

He died about eight weeks later.

Marshall was arrested on 12 September, and told police she had been giving Mr Shaw a lift home when she heard him scuffling with Mr Wadsworth on the back seat.

She denied she had threatened him over money, but claimed she had lent him money in the past.

Det Ch Insp Higginson said: "Martin Shaw was subject to a terrifying and brutal assault, sadly leading to his death weeks later because of a ruptured spleen and multiple rib fractures.

"Marshall and Wadsworth exploited and killed a vulnerable individual using severe force to demand money, even complaining about getting blood on the car as the attack happened.

"We urge anybody who feels they are being exploited or threatened to report it to us, and we can help and support you.

"Nobody should lose their life over a financial debt."