Crime Solicitors

Minshull Street Crown Court has handed down a sentence of life imprisonment to a man who murdered a Salford University student in February this year.

Lee Arnold, 37, stabbed to death 30-year-old William Lound at his flat. At an earlier hearing in July, Arnold had pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Lound, after going with him to his flat in the student halls of residence. He stabbed him a number of times with a kitchen knife he found there.

The court heard that Arnold was homeless at the time, had not been taking his prescribed medication for a mental health condition – and there was evidence that he had been taking illegal drugs.

Arnold must serve a minimum of 23 years and four months in prison for the crime.

The two men met each other at the tented village near Piccadilly station in Manchester, where Arnold was then living – and where Mr Lound had become friends with some of the homeless residents.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had treated the case as a hate crime, as Arnold had shown hostility in his police interview towards William Lound because of his sexuality. This was presented to the court as an aggravating factor in the murder.

Lucy Scully, Senior Crown Prosecutor, CPS North West Complex Casework Unit, said:

“This is an extremely tragic case, in which William Lound – a kind and trusting young man – lost his life in terrible circumstances. His family and friends have been left devastated by what happened.

“Lee Arnold has admitted that he planned to carry out the murder and accompanied William to his flat that morning with that intention – but it is also clear from the evidence that he had been experiencing a deterioration in his mental health.

“Our sympathies and thoughts are very much with William's family and friends at this very difficult and distressing time.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers are available 24/7, 365 days a year to advise at any stage of a charge involving violent crime, including murder, assault ABH/GBH, hate crimes, gang crime, knife crime, gun crime, rape or sexual assault.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence solicitors.

A Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to violent crime, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.