David Corridon murder: Five jailed for life

All five were found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court

Five people convicted of the murder of a man during an attempted robbery have been sentenced to life in prison.

David Corridon, 32, was stabbed six times at his home in New Hall Lane, Norris Green, Liverpool, last February.

Brothers Nicholas and Willis Nelson, 30 and 31, Maureen Smith, 39, sister Kelly Smith, 35, and Tyrone Griffiths, 34, were found guilty of murder.

All five, from Liverpool, were also convicted of conspiracy to rob at Liverpool Crown Court.

Griffiths was also found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Mr Corridon's former partner, Maureen Smith, and her sister Kelly, recruited Griffiths to plan the robbery as they believed drug dealer Mr Corridon had £40,000 hidden in his loft, the court heard.

'Violent and horrendous'

Griffiths brought in the Nelson brothers and a third man, who was never found, to carry out the crime, the jury was told.

Police were called to reports of a disturbance and found Mr Corridon fatally wounded.

Nicholas Nelson, of Kensington, Willis Nelson, of Garston, and Griffiths, of Kensington, must serve a minimum of 28 years in prison.

Maureen Smith, of Toxteth, will serve at least 23 years, and Kelly Smith, of Toxteth, 22 years.

Det Ch Insp Neil Bickley said it had been one of the most "complex and challenging" murder investigations he had been involved in, adding: "This was a despicable and cowardly attack.

"There is no place in our communities for people who commit such violent and horrendous crimes."

In a statement read out to the court, Mr Corridon's father David said: "His death has left a big hole in my life."

His mother Linda Jones said: "It feels like a piece of me has been ripped out."