Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Greater Manchester Police
Manchester

Man who killed sister by dousing her in petrol and setting her alight gets life sentence

The Manchester man showed “no remorse” as he was sentenced to serve a minimum 27 years.

A MANCHESTER MAN who was found guilty of killing his sister by dousing her in petrol and setting her alight has been jailed for life, with a minimum of 27 years.

Stephen Archer (51), of Victoria Street in Openshaw east of Manchester city centre, was sentenced for the murder of his sister, Julie Archer, at Manchester Crown Court today.

He was also found guilty of arson with intent to endanger life.

On 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 said that her uncle had set her mother on fire and that she was trapped inside the house.

Julie Archer (49) was found with serious burns to her whole body. Upon arrival at hospital for treatment, it was identified that she had sustained 95% burns.

She died four days later.

Her daughter managed to escape the house by jumping from a bedroom window.

The court heard that Stephen Archer had thrown a mix of petrol and mineral spirit over his sister before setting the couch she was sitting on alight. He had brought these with him to her house to confront her over a disagreement after the death of their father.

The jury in the case heard how Archer evaded police after the incident, and went on the run.

Whilst eluding capture, he sent a birthday card to his mother and a get-well-soon card for Julie.

Get well soon card1 Greater Manchester Police Greater Manchester Police

The card to his mother 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 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.

The family of Julie Archer released a statement thanking all those who helped the woman and her daughter.

“Julie was a fantastic mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend,” it said. “Today’s verdict has given our family some justice but nothing will bring Julie back.

We love and miss her and she will forever be in our hearts.

Read: Inmate who escaped from open prison in 2015 returned to custody

Read: Elderly man tied up and had head covered by pillowcase in burglary last night

Your Voice
Readers Comments
27
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.