Rocky Marciano Price

The offence

What the court heard

He was found guilty (retrial) of murder in Accrington, Lancashire, on 12 August 2019. He carried out a random unprovoked attack on his 47-year-old victim who had gone for a walk in the woods. His victims body was discovered in a shallow grave at the back of Accrington Cemetery on 24 August 2019. Sentencing Remarks of Mrs Justice Yip DBE Introduction 1. Rocky Marciano Price is to be sentenced today for the murder of Lindsay Birbeck on 12 August 2019. He is now aged 17. There is only one sentence that the law allows to be passed for murder: that is a mandatory life sentence. For an offender under the age of 18, this is expressed as detention at Her Majesty's Pleasure. Let there be no misunderstanding, a life sentence is just that. It may be that the defendant is never released from custody. If he is, he will be on licence and liable to be recalled to prison for the rest of his life. That is the sentence I shall pass but I must also determine the minimum term that must elapse before the defendant can be considered for release. 2. I am required to set the minimum term by reference to the statutory scheme laid down by Parliament and to explain my reasons for selecting the term that I do. I recognise that the defendant, who has learning difficulties, is unlikely to immediately absorb all that I say. However, these remarks are not addressed only to him. At the conclusion of the hearing, I will distribute my remarks in writing so that they can be repeated and broken down for the defendant later to aid his full understanding. When I come to pass sentence, I will address the defendant directly in clear terms. The facts 3. Lindsay Birbeck was 47 years old. She led a normal, full life, of which the court saw only a small snapshot during the trial. She worked as a high level teaching assistant, helping youngsters with difficulties. She was much loved by her children, Sarah and Steven, her family and friends. She liked to keep fit and enjoyed walking and running. We have heard today the victim personal statement of Sarah Birbeck. Her statement is measured and understated, and no less powerful for that. Sarah reflects the terrible loss caused to the whole family. As she says, the void that Lindsay has left will never be filled. Throughout, Lindsay's family and friends have conducted themselves with dignity. This no doubt reflects the person she was. It is hard to imagine the suffering they have been caused and they have my deepest sympathies. 4. Seeing Lindsay in the…

Aggravating and mitigating factors

Age / Youth and immaturity of the offender IQ / Learning difficulties; Planned / Premeditated / Degree of Planning; Concealment / Hiding body; Desecration / Mutilation / Dismembering victim

Around this case

• Preston Crown Court
• Prosecuted by CPS North West
• Investigated by Lancashire Constabulary