A man who killed his sister by setting her alight at her house in Newton Heath has been sentenced to life in prison.
Fifty one year old Stephen Archer will serve a minimum of twenty seven years in jail after he was found guilty of murder
Stephen Archer, 51, of 15 Victoria Street, Openshaw has today been jailed for 27 years after being found guilty of the murder of his sister, Julie Archer at Manchester Crown Court and arson with intent to endanger life.
On Monday 29 February 2016 police were called to a house on Surbiton Road in Newton Heath, Manchester by a woman who was trapped in an upstairs bedroom. She reported that her Uncle had set her mum on fire and she was trapped inside.
On arrival 49-year-old Julie Archer was found with serious burns to her whole body. She was taken to hospital for treatment having sustained 95% burns, but she sadly died four days later.
Julie’s teenage daughter, who called police, escaped the house by jumping from a bedroom window.
Archer had thrown a mix of petrol and mineral spirit over Julie, he had carried it over to her house to confront her over a disagreement after their father’s death.
The jury heard how after setting his sister alight, Stephen Archer evaded police and hid in woodland near to Marple Bridge.
Whilst on the run, Archer sent a birthday card to his mother and a get-well-soon card to Julie. The card to his mum said: “Mum, just a note to say I’m truly sorry for what I did to Julie, but believe she deserved it for what she did to my dad.”
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe from GMP’s Serious Crime Division said: “First of all, my thoughts are with Julie’s family. The past year has been unimaginable for them. Hopefully today’s conclusion will go some way to help them move forward.
“Stephen Archer killed his sister in cold blood. Not only did he kill Julie, he did so in a way that would cause a phenomenal amount of pain and suffering. He has shown no remorse.”
“Archer is a dangerous man who has broken his whole family apart. He will now spend the next 27 years in prison and will have plenty of time to contemplate exactly what he did.”
The family of Julie Archer released the below statement:
“I would like to thank all those who helped Julie on that terrible day, from the superb neighbours who saved Quibilah, to those who helped Julie.
“I would like to thank the emergency services who helped Julie and eventually caught Stephen
“Julie was a fantastic mother, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend. She will be truly missed.
“Today’s verdict has given our family some justice but nothing will bring Julie back.
“We love and miss her and she will be forever in our hearts.”
