Police react after killer 'with warped view of women' is jailed for life in Sheffield

Gary Allen, who strangled two prostitutes 21 years apart, was jailed yesterday and ordered to serve a minimum of 37 years behind bars.

The 47-year-old killed Alena Grlakova, 38, in Rotherham in 2018, and Samantha Class, 29, in Hull in 1997.

Allen, described by the judge who sentenced him at Sheffield Crown Court as ‘wicked’, stood trial over the earlier murder in 2000 but was acquitted.

He was able to be tried again when the original not guilty verdict was quashed after he became the prime suspect for Alena's murder and new evidence around the earlier case emerged.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton said: “I'm satisfied that a very dangerous man has finally faced justice for his horrendous crimes.

“However, my thoughts today are not of him - they are instead with the families of Alena and Samantha, two women whose lives were cruelly and violently taken from them.

“The SYP investigation into Alena's disappearance and murder was the force's biggest in recent years, and my team was determined to secure justice for her and her loved ones.

“I'd like to thank Alena's family for their continued support. They have been thoroughly courageous and dignified throughout the investigation and trial, despite their pain and grief following their awful loss.

“Alena's family has waited two and a half years for this day to come, while Samantha's have needed answers for more than two decades. While this result will never bring back their loved ones, I do hope it will provide some comfort and closure as they begin the steps towards moving forward with their lives.”

Allen killed Alena on Boxing Day 2018 and dumped her body in a stream.

He covered her with grit and stone in a bid to conceal her body.

He strangled Samantha after having sex with her, then ran over her body with a car and dumped it in a river.

Sentencing him, Judge Mr Justice Goose said: “You thought you had got away with murder but your past has caught up with you. You tried to lie in both cases.

“You are an extremely dangerous man with a long-held, warped view of women.”

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