Julie Beards

Julie Beards, 36, from Bloxwich in Walsall, was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Susan Whiting, a 20-year-old student with learning difficulties. The events unfolded on 16 August 2015, when Miss Whiting stayed overnight at the Beards' home, a place she had visited before due to her friendship with Julie formed at a local adult community centre. Leicester Crown Court heard that Miss Whiting's food was laced with the drug Zopiclone, rendering her sedated, after which she was raped by Julie's husband, Steven Beards, and fatally struck on the head multiple times, resulting in a fractured skull.

Julie Beards, who also has learning difficulties and was appointed an intermediary by the court to assist her during proceedings, denied murder but was found guilty of manslaughter. She and her husband blamed each other for the killing, with Julie accusing Steven of past extreme violence and rape, which he denied. The couple initially lied to Miss Whiting's mother, claiming she had left their home safe and well, before police discovered her body wrapped in a shower curtain under a bed the next day. Police believed Julie was complicit in drugging the victim and helping to conceal the body.

Detective Superintendent Mark Payne of West Midlands Police commented: 'Susan Whiting was a vulnerable young woman who lost her life at the hands of this pair, who betrayed her trust.' Julie Beards' conviction came as part of the same trial where her husband received a life sentence, and she was scheduled for sentencing at a later date following the guilty verdict on 24 May 2016. The case underscored the abuse of trust placed in the Beards by Miss Whiting and her family.