Sheffield man admits manslaughter in case of father-of-two killed in gun and acid attack

Police on Kilburn Drive, Shevington after dad-of-two Liam Smith's body was found on November 24, 2022.

A Sheffield man on trial for the murder of a father-of-two in a gun and acid attack has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The body of Liam Smith, aged 38, was found at the bottom of his driveway on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, Wigan, in the early evening of November 24 last year.

Michael Hillier, aged 39, and a second defendant, 37-year-old Rachel Fulstow, have both pleaded not guilty to Mr Smith's murder and are set to go on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.

Today, Tuesday July 11, Hillier, of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Smith.

Liam Smith, pictured, was shot and subjected to an acid attack before his body was found on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, on November 24, 2022. Michael Hillier, aged 39, of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, and Rachel Fulstow, 37, of Andrew Drive, York, are set to go on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, lasting up to four weeks.

The same charge is denied by Fulstow, from Andrew Drive, York.

She also denies an additional charge of perverting the course of justice between January 21 and February 21.

A jury of five women and seven men were selected today to try the case.

Trial judge Maurice Greene told them the case involved the loss of life of Mr Smith and emotions may run high but that they must put that to one side and judge the case only on the evidence heard in court.

The trial iss expected to open this afternoon or Wednesday morning and last up to four weeks.