Sheffield, UK – Mark Nicholls, a 43-year-old man from Sheffield, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years and six months for the murder of 50-year-old Emily Sanderson earlier this year. The tragic incident occurred in Hillsborough, where Emily’s life was cut short in a heartbreaking manner.
Emily’s body was discovered by officers in an upstairs bedroom of a property on Crofton Avenue around midday on Tuesday, May 30. A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed she died from head injuries, prompting the immediate launch of a murder investigation.
The investigation involved painstaking forensic examinations at the crime scene to gather evidence. Following extensive inquiries, Mark Nicholls, residing on Crofton Avenue, was identified as a suspect and arrested on suspicion of murder on June 2. He was charged the next day and remained in custody until his appearance at Sheffield Crown Court on September 8, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.
During today’s sentencing, Nicholls was handed a life sentence, with the judge specifying a minimum term of 17 years and six months behind bars.
In a victim statement read out in court, Emily’s mother, Christine Shann, expressed the profound loss suffered by the family. She described Emily as an incredible person, deeply and dearly loved by her children, siblings, family, and friends. Christine emphasised the emotional damage wrought by Emily’s murder, highlighting the devastating impact on her son and two daughters who have lost their mother.
Christine further stated, “What we have experienced in the wake of this tragedy has done irreversible damage to all our lives; she was the heart of our family, and our heart has been ripped out. We miss her so much; her absence is so keenly felt. We will never celebrate with her again, never be held by her, never receive any more of her help and support, hear her jokes, or spend time with her.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Bowell, the senior investigating officer, condemned Nicholls for snatching away the life of a daughter, sister, and mother in a fit of rage. She noted his efforts to shift blame onto Emily and his lack of remorse for the truly horrific actions.
A mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was made at the time of the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
