Duo admits guilt in discarding deceased woman's body on sidewalk

The lifeless body of Kerry Newman was discovered near Ashfield Valley Primary School and the Sandbrook Retail Park in Rochdale on the morning of July 17. The 40-year-old was declared deceased at the scene, situated on New Barn Lane. The exact cause of her passing remains undetermined, as previously disclosed in Manchester Magistrates' Court.

 

Robert Halliwell, aged 48, and Melanie Bullen, aged 52, made appearances via videolink at Minshull Street Crown Court on the morning of August 25.

 

During a preliminary hearing before Judge Tina Landale, both Halliwell and Bullen entered guilty pleas to committing an act with the intent to obstruct justice, specifically involving the removal of Ms. Newman's deceased body from a residence and its subsequent placement on a public footpath.

 

The case has been postponed for sentencing until September 15, as requested by the defense counsel, to allow for the preparation of presentence reports by the probation service.

 

In a statement, Michael Johnson, representing Bullen, expressed, "I request the sentence be adjourned for the preparation of presentence reports. Clearly, this is a significant case, and she has not previously appeared before the court."

 

Addressing both defendants, Judge Landale stated, "Both of you will remain in custody, and the time served will be taken into account when determining the ultimate sentence."

 

Prior to the hearing, both Bullen and Halliwell could be observed communicating "I love you" over the video link.

 

In a previous tribute, Kerry's mother and stepfather lovingly described her as "a cherished daughter and a devoted mother of two boys, taken from us far too soon. She now rests in heaven with the angels. Rest in peace, our beautiful girl."

 

Whitestone Solicitors

Rochdale

Tel; 0800 810 1010