'I love you so much, and always will': Liam Smith's family pay heartbreaking tribute to 'kind-hearted soul' after murderers jailed for life
24.08.2023 - 13:47
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The family of Liam Smith have said they will 'always love him' in a heartfelt tribute given as his murderers received life sentences.
The Wigan dad-of-two was shot in the face at his home before being doused in sulphuric acid by Michael Hillier, a trial heard. Hillier, 39, said he was acting in revenge after his girlfriend Rachel Fulstow alleged that she'd been raped by Liam years earlier during a Tinder date. Both Fulstow and Hillier were convicted of murder.
As the pair were sentenced today (August 24), the court heard the devastation of Liam's family, who said they had been left 'broken' by Hillier and Fulstow's 'senseless act'.
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"Liam was genuinely the best and most devoted dad - he would do anything for his boys," Lisa Wilkinson, the mother of Liam's two children, speaking at Minshull Street Crown Court.
"I just don't know what is best and I feel lost. My eldest had so many wonderful memories of his dad. My youngest is very depressed and unable to leave my side."
Ms Wilkinson said the grief of Liam's children would 'never be able to be told in a statement', adding: "Their grief and sadness will never end.
"No child should ever have to go through what they have and not be able to take their pain away. Their lives have changed forever. We will miss him forever."
Liam's sister Gemma Smith gave a heartbreaking statement and told of how Liam was her 'rock', describing his death as 'inhumane'.
"No family should have to go through this," she said. "Liam was robbed not only of his life, but his dignity. Liam's life was not the only one destroyed.
"Evil things don't happen to normal, decent people. It's hell. I do not wish this