Two people convicted of manslaughter following brutal attack on man

An Oldham pair have been jailed for the manslaughter of a 45-year-old man following a brutal assault two years ago.

Jemma Marshall (37), of Burns Close, Oldham and Jason Wadsworth (37), of Shaw, were both convicted today at Manchester Crown Court of the manslaughter of Martin Shaw in 2023. 

The court heard how just before 9.30pm, on September 10, 2023, Mr Shaw was walking home from a local shop, along Ashton Road. 

Marshall and Wadsworth drove past him when they stopped and dragged him in to the vehicle and subjected him to a violent assault. This attack sadly led to his death almost eight weeks later. 

The heartless thugs repeatedly struck Mr Shaw in the face and across his body.  During the assault, Marshall expressed annoyance about blood being sprayed inside her vehicle, showing no remorse. 

Following the attack, Marshall and Wadsworth drove Mr Shaw back to his residence, where they entered without permission.  Wadsworth was overheard shouting, “You better give her, her money". 

The victim was a vulnerable individual who struggled with drug and alcohol dependency.  Marshall exploited Mr Shaw and other drug users by engaging in drug use with them and subsequently claiming they owed her money. 

These alleged debts would then escalate over time. Wadsworth acted as Marshall’s enforcer, using intimidation and violence to reinforce her demands. 

Marshall and Wadsworth were caught on CCTV leaving Mr Shaw’s address, a couple of minutes after entering. Police attended shortly after and spoke to Mr Shaw who had visible injuries, he told officers that he had been beaten.  

Later that evening, Mr Shaw became unwell, and he collapsed.  The paramedics attended and he was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital, where he died on November 4. 

Marshall was arrested on September 12, 2023 and interviewed by police the following day, where she claimed that she had simply given Mr Shaw a lift home and heard Wadsworth scuffling with him in the back of the car.  

She claimed that she had lent Mr Shaw money in the past but had never threatened him for not paying her back. Wadsworth was arrested on September 22, 2023 and made no comment in his police interview. 

Both offenders were today found guilty, and their sentencing is due to take place on December 22. 

Detective Chief Inspector, Neil Higginson, said: “Martin Shaw was subject to a terrifying and brutal assault, sadly leading to his death weeks later because of a ruptured spleen and multiple rib fractures. This vicious attack – for which neither perpetrator has expressed remorse – was truly vile and I am glad they are now behind bars. 

“Marshall and Wadsworth exploited and killed a vulnerable individual using severe force to demand money – even complaining about getting blood on the car as the attack happened. 

“These sorts of acts have no place on the streets of Greater Manchester, and we will always seek to get justice for victims of crimes like this. I am glad we have secured convictions in this case. 

“We urge anybody who feels they are being exploited or threatened to report it to us, and we can help and support you. Nobody should lose their life over a financial debt.”