The violent Sheffield bully who beat a shy and retiring colleague to death over a minor workplace gripe
Police said Wainwright had a history of holding grudges against people for “relatively minor things”
A “violent” Sheffield “bully” who beat his “shy and retiring” colleague to death with a metal bar over a minor workplace gripe is now 11 years into a life sentence.
Shaun Wainwright murdered Simon Holdsworth, aged 36, in December 2013 - laying in wait for the “much loved son, brother, fiancé, father and uncle” when he left Fluorocarbon Bakeware Systems (FBS) where they both worked.
Simon suffered severe skull fractures and lacerations to the scalp, however there were no signs of any defence injuries after his body was found on playing fields near Rainbow Forge primary school, Hackenthorpe.
Wainwright, who was 47 at the time, denied murder but was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 28 years.
During his trial jurors heard he fixated on the murder after Simon refused to let him back into FBS when he returned for his wallet.
The 36-year-old dad had already locked up the premises and was waiting at a bus stop to go home to his fiancé when Wainwright, of Arbourthorne, returned for it.
The defendant - who had a “history of holding grudges” - drove ahead and waited for him before beating him to death with a metal bar he had taken from work and kept in his car.
Wainwright claimed he had sat his in car after work listening to CDs and drinking lager before going home.
He told jurors Simon was a “very good friend” with whom he shared interest in fishing, claiming they had discussed going on a trip together. However a guilty verdict was returned within two hours.
Speaking after the case Detective Chief Inspector Phil Etheridge said enquiries revealed Wainwright had a history of holding grudges against people for “relatively minor things”.
“He’s had workplace disputes before where he has physically assaulted people,” said the senior detective.
“He was physically much bigger than the victim and overpowered him, leaving him for dead - all of this points to the actions of a violent bully.
“He knew where Simon would be that night and he drove to the scene intent on revenge for a dispute he had with him. The defendant has a short fuse and responded with maximum force over a minor grievance.
“Simon’s family have lost someone they loved dearly and Shaun Wainwright’s family have lost someone too – there are no winners here.”
Simon’s family said in a statement: “Our family have been totally devastated by what has happened.
“His life was brutally ended in the most horrific circumstances. Our lives will never be the same again. We miss Simon every day. He will be forever in our hearts.”