Murderer will not stand trial over alleged role in Widnes burglary

David Webster was handed a life sentence in August for the ‘brutal’ murder of a 65-year-old grandfather, Mark Wilcox, in Colwyn Bay last November.

The 43-year-old, formerly of Lacey Street in Widnes, had the minimum term, before he is eligible for the parole board to consider his release, set at 23 years.

Webster was due to stand trial on Monday (November 4) at Liverpool Crown Court on a charge of burglary.

It was alleged that he entered an address on Bower Street in Widnes as a trespasser on September 3, 2023, stealing cash and a purse containing bank cards.

Around two months later, Webster would go on to murder David Mark Wilcox in his own Colwyn Bay home.

But Webster will no longer have to stand trial on the Widnes burglary charge, having pleaded not guilty, after it was deemed ‘in the public interest’ to not pursue a conviction.

This came after his co-defendant in the burglary allegation, Charlene McCarthy, changed her plea from not guilty to guilty.

David Mark Wilcox was murdered in his own Colwyn Bay home (Image: Supplied)

The 43-year-old, of Deepdale in Widnes, was therefore convicted, with judge David Swinnerton adjourning her sentencing until a later date to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Prosecutor Ben Berkson asked for time to seek direction as to how to proceed with the allegation in respect of Webster, before returning to confirm that a prosecution would not be sought.

Having discussed the matter with Paul Wood, representing Webster – who was not present in the courtroom – Judge Swinnerton confirmed that the burglary charge is to lie on the defendant’s file, and that a trial was no longer necessary.

Webster was jailed for life at Mold Crown Court in August alongside co-defendant Lauren Harris, aged 30 and of no fixed abode, but of Colwyn Bay, after both were convicted of murder by a jury following a trial.

Harris, who had moved in with Mr Wilcox, murdered him at his home in Colwyn Bay, stabbing him twice in the early hours of November 20, 2023, while Webster also inflicted unlawful violence upon him, including smashing a vodka bottle over his head.

She and Mr Wilcox appeared to have started a relationship in mid-2023, and had invited Webster, who she met for the first time days earlier, to his home on the evening of November 19.

But an argument ensued, and Mr Wilcox, whose bank account had been drained of funds in the months he and Harris lived together, was attacked and stabbed.

Harris then urged Webster to join her in Mr Wilcox’s Volvo, which she drove off in but crashed moments later.

Lauren Harris was also jailed for the murder of David Mark Wilcox (Image: North Wales Police)

Mr Wilcox, who was described as being ‘funny, kind, generous and loving’, was found unconscious in his living room by police shortly after.

Webster swore and shouted repeatedly through the murder sentencing hearing, calling Harris a ‘psychotic b***h’ and saying: “I hope you burn in hell Lauren, you f*****g dog.”

The court heard how he had 25 previous convictions for 37 offences, including possession of a bladed article, multiple shoplifting and drug possession offences, burglary with the use of violence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Mr Justice Edward Pepperall said to the pair: "It was a sustained and vicious attack, in which you showed Mr Wilcox no mercy.

"It is sadly evident that Mr Wilcox suffered greatly as he bravely fought to defend himself before he lost consciousness and died.

"You both callously helped yourself to his car, phone, wallets and watches when the opportunity arose.

"You left Mr Wilcox for dead, and without his phone that he might have used to summon emergency assistance.

"You gave him no further thought, as you focused on your own selfish need."

Harris was also jailed for life, with her minimum term set at 25 years.