Sheffield Man Jailed for Life Over Murder of Maria Howarth
A 60-year-old man from Sheffield has been handed a life sentence for the brutal murder of Maria Howarth. David Bestwick was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, 26 February.
On Monday, 1 March, Bestwick was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum term of 17 years to serve.
Family Speaks Out After Verdict
Maria’s family shared a new photograph of her and released a heartfelt statement:
“Maria believed in the British Justice System and the family would like to thank South Yorkshire Police for their diligence and professionalism in bringing the defendant to justice. But no sentence, however long, is as long as the sentence the family will have to endure with this heinous crime that has been committed.”
Police React to Life Sentence
Detective Chief Inspector James Axe, the senior investigating officer, commented after sentencing:
“My condolences once more go to Maria’s family and I echo their sentiment that no sentence passed will ever be able to undo the pain of losing their loved one. Bestwick will now spend a considerable period of time behind bars for his mindless, violent crime that took a woman’s life.”
Read our full statement on Bestwick’s conviction on the official South Yorkshire Police website.
