Pint-sized sadist who murdered woman killed ANOTHER girlfriend after being freed from jail

A sadistic man who murdered his girlfriend with a hammer has been jailed for life – 23 years after being sent to prison for killing another partner.

By Nicole Stinson - Dailystar.co.uk

July 27, 2016

Anthony Ayres, 49, stabbed Kelly Pearce 40 times with a 10cm knife at a friend's flat on November 19 last year before beating her to death with a hammer.

In 1993 he strangled Dawn Wisdom, 30, to death in east London, but was released after serving 19 years of a life sentence.

Five-foot tall Ayres then fled the scene in Canvey, Essex, but was arrested the next day in Southend wearing the same clothes which were soaked in her blood.

Sentencing him to life in prison, Judge Maura McGowan QC said: "You set about an attack of extraordinary brutality, which in my view amounted to sadism."

Miss Pearce, 36, met Ayres while out with her friend and headed to Joseph Whithers' flat in Canvey, Essex.

Prosecutor Cairns Nelson told Chelmsford Crown Court: "During the walk to Mr Whithers' flat Miss Pearce told him she thought that Ayres might have a knife."

Mr Whithers decided to go out and buy some cigarettes and expected Ayres to follow him.

Ayres then launched his sickening attack on Miss Pearce, an earlier court hearing heard.

A concerned Mr Whithers called police and was seen on CCTV outside the flat at 4.56pm.

During the call he said: "I think someone has been killed in my flat. There is blood everywhere.

"He stabbed her and smashed her with a hammer."

He added: "My friend was round and then this man comes round and hit her repeatedly and stabbed her in the face."

"The man's just left now.

"She's had her throat slit, she's gargling."

Miss Pearce, a mother of one, was rushed to Royal London hospital in a critical condition.

She died less than three hours later from the stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

Police revealed they had found the hammer in the flat, but the knife, presumably discarded, has never been found.

The court heard that this was Ayres' second murder.

Mr Nelson said: "In 1993 the lifeless body of a 30-year-old woman, Dawn Wisdom was found by her parents in East London.

"She had been strangled by the defendant all those years ago when he was aged 25.

He was tried and convicted of her murder at the Central Criminal Court in 1994 by strangulation.

"He was released on life license in May 2012 having served 19 years of that sentence."

Speaking afterwards, senior investigating officer from Essex police DI Steve Ellis said: "Ayres is a dangerous individual who brutally attacked Miss Pearce, inflicting horrendous injuries."

Kelly's mother, Lynne Wallings and her partner, Richard said: "Kelly was a colourful character, who made an impression on everyone she met. She was loved dearly by her friends and family and she showed us so much love and kindness back.

"The verdict today was the right one, at least now Kelly can rest in peace knowing that Anthony Ayres will be sent to prison for the rest of his life."

Freed to kill again

Pint-sized murderer who served 19 years for brutal slaying killed his new partner in ‘sadistic’ assault

Five-foot tall killer stabbed his lover 40 times with a 10cm before beating her to death with a claw hammer

TheSun.co.uk

July 26, 2016

A Pint-sized sadist who murdered his girlfriend with a hammer was jailed for life today – 23 years after being sent to prison for killing another partner.

Five-foot tall Anthony Ayres, 49, stabbed Kelly Pearce 40 times with a 10cm knife at a friend’s flat on November 19 last year before beating her to death with a hammer.

Ayres then fled the scene in Canvey, Essex, but was arrested the next day in Southend wearing the same clothes which were soaked in her blood.

Sentencing him to a whole life tariff, Judge Maura McGowan QC said: “You took a knife and a hammer to the flat where you knew she was.

“You set about an attack of extraordinary brutality, which in my view amounted to sadism.

“Kelly’s addiction to hard drugs had blighted her life in recent years but all of the witnesses we have heard from said she was fun and kind and had a big heart and a warm and open personality.

“All that has gone.”

Just before the murder Miss Pearce, 36, had been with her friend Joseph Whithers.

The pair met Ayres and headed over to Mr Whithers’ flat in Canvey, Essex.

Prosecutor Nelson Cairns told Chelmsford crown court said: “During the walk to Mr Whithers’ flat Miss Pearce told him she thought that Ayres might have a knife.

“On arrival to Mr Whithers’ flat the pair asked Ayres if he would lend them £10 to buy cigarettes.

“He agreed but said he’d left his wallet in his flat.

“Mr Whithers then left the flat and expected Ayres to follow him but once outside he was locked out.”

Ayres then launched his sickening attack on Miss Pearce the flat.

A concerned Mr Whithers called police and was seen on CCTV outside the flat at 4.56pm.

During the call he said: “I think someone has been killed in my flat. There is blood everywhere.

“He stabbed her and smashed her with a hammer.”

He added: “My friend was round and then this man comes round and hit her repeatedly and stabbed her in the face.”

“Yea the man’s just left now,” he said.

When asked the man’s name he said: “Tony, I don’t know his second name. She’s had her throat slit, she’s gargling.”

The knife has never been found but the hammer was recovered by police from the flat and swabs were taken.

The court heard that this was Ayres’ second murder.

Mr Nelson said: “In 1993 the lifeless body of a 30-year-old woman, Dawn Wisdom was found by her parents in East London. She had been strangled by the defendant all those years ago when he was aged 25.

“He had moved in with her. He was tried and convicted of her murder at the Central Criminal Court in 1994 by strangulation.

“He was released on life license in May 2012 having served 19 years of that sentence.”

Speaking afterwards, senior investigating officer from Essex police DI Steve Ellis said: “Ayres is a dangerous individual who brutally attacked Miss Pearce, inflicting horrendous injuries.

“I would like to thank the family for their patience as we sought to locate Ayres and successfully bring him to justice.

“While the verdict cannot bring Kelly back I hope this brings them a form of closure to their tragic loss.”

Kelly’s mother, Lynne Wallings and her partner, Richard said: “Kelly was a colourful character, who made an impression on everyone she met. She was loved dearly by her friends and family and she showed us so much love and kindness back.

“Kelly will be missed by her mum Lynn, step father Richard, son Josh, Sister Lisa and all her family. We know nothing can bring her back. The verdict today was the right one, at least now Kelly can rest in peace knowing that Anthony Ayres will be sent to prison for the rest of his life.

“We would like to thank Essex Police and the investigation team, for all they have done throughout this horrific ordeal to get justice for Kelly. We would also personally like to thank the first responders, the police and the paramedics who tried their hardest to save Kelly. Their efforts will never be forgotten. Lastly, thanks to Cairns Nelson and Peter Gair for prosecuting Kelly’s case and getting justice.

“Now the Court case is over, we would like to try to move on with our lives, to remember the happy times with Kelly and to grieve our loss. We respectfully request that we are left to grieve in private.”

Miss Pearce, a mother-of-one, died at the Royal London Hospital less than three hours later from blunt force trauma and stab wounds.

Evil 5ft builder who was jailed for life for murdering his partner in 1994 beat and stabbed SECOND lover to death after he was freed from jail

• Anthony Ayres hit Kelly Pearce with hammer before stabbing her 40 times

• 36-year-old bled to death at home in Canvey Island, Essex, after he fled

• He was today sentenced to whole life term for 'extraordinary brutal' attack

• Ayres was jailed for life in 1994 for murdering then-partner Dawn Wisdom

By Steph Cockroft for MailOnline

July 26, 2016

A sadistic 5ft builder has been found guilty of stabbing his lover to death just three years after he was released from jail for murdering another girlfriend two decades ago.

Anthony Ayres, 49, used a clawhammer to attack Kelly Pearce before stabbing her more than 40 times at a flat on Canvey Island, Essex.

The 36-year-old bled to death in front of police and paramedics after Ayers fled the scene. He was later arrested after being captured on CCTV.

It can now be reported that it is the second time the 5ft tall builder has been convicted of murder.

In 1994, Ayres was jailed for life at the Old Bailey for strangling his then partner Dawn Wisdom to death after she aborted their unborn baby because he was not fit to be a father.

The double killer claimed he was innocent but was jailed for a minimum of 19 years, only to be released on licence in March 2012.

He also had a string of previous convictions including an attack in 1988 in which he throttled his girlfriend until she passed out. The following year he slapped and strangled another partner.

The history of horrific violence against women raises serious questions about why Ayers was released on licence in 2012, leaving him free to kill again.

He will now die in prison after being sentenced to a whole life term. The sadistic murderer gave a wry smile as the unanimous verdict was returned.

Sentencing Ayres to whole life term in prison, Judge Maura McGowan, said: 'It was an attack of extraordinary brutality, in my view amounting to sadism.

'You are in your late 40s and for the second time in your life have been convicted of murdering a woman.'

During the trial, Ayres tried to blame Miss Pearce's friend Joseph Withers for what happened.

The court was told how, on the day of the murder, Miss Pearce had spent time with Mr Withers but the pair had gone their separate ways.

Then, in the afternoon, Miss Pearce phoned Mr Withers to tell him she with with Ayers and 'to come and fetch her'.

The pair returned to Mr Withers' flat but a short time later Ayers turned up at the property.

CCTV showed him 'pacing up and down' 'as if he was mulling something over in his mind'. He then knocked on the door and the three of them chatted.

Mr Withers then left the flat to go to buy cigarettes, expecting Ayers to follow him.

But the door suddenly shut behind him and he heard a bang. By the time he had found his keys to get back inside, Ayers had launched his brutal onslaught.

Once back inside, Mr Withers saw Miss Pearce slumped against the bath, gasping for air.

He then asked: 'What are you doing Tony?' before Ayres continued attacking her with a hammer.

The court was told how she was still alive when Mr Withers called 999. Police and paramedics made desperate attempts to save her but she was pronounced dead.

A post mortem examination revealed she had been stabbed 40 times in her face and neck by a blade which was about 10cm in length. The murder weapon was never found.

Miss Pearce also suffered 10 'blunt force' injuries from a clawhammer which left her with brain damage.

DNA samples from the hammer matched Ayers, meaning the probability of it belonging to someone else was about one in a billion.

Ayers was arrested the following day after he was spotted by an off-duty police officer in Southend. He had cuts to his hands - both on the fingers and palms.

Swabs taken from the scene in the bathroom and the communal area linked the defendant to the scene.

Ayers refused to comment when questioned by police.

Forensic tests revealed Miss Pearce's head was struck so hard by blows that her hair was left against the bathroom wall.

In the wake of her death her family issued a statement saying they had lost a 'loving mother and daughter who was big hearted and full of life'.

'Kelly was blessed with a loud and bubbly personality and she was often heard before she was seen.

'Although Kelly faced struggles in her tragically short life, we will choose to remember her the way.'

Afterwards DI Steve Ellis of Essex Police said: 'Ayres is a dangerous individual who brutally attacked Miss Pearce, inflicting horrendous injuries.

'I would like to thank the family for their patience as we sought to locate Ayres and successfully bring him to justice.

'While the verdict cannot bring Kelly back I hope this brings them a form of closure to their tragic loss.'

Anthony Ayres given whole life prison sentence after being found guilty of murdering Canvey mum-of-one Kelly Pearce

Emma Robinson - Echo-news.co.uk

July 26, 2016

A MAN has been found guilty of murdering a mum-of-one on Canvey.

Anthony Ayres, 49, has been convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

The six men and six men returned a unanimous verdict after under four hours of deliberations.

Kelly Pearce, 36, who grew up on the island, was attacked with a hammer and stabbed in the face at a flat in Fairlop Avenue in November.

Ayres, already a convicted killer after strangling his girlfriend in 1993, had denied murdering Miss Pearce.

As the guilty verdict was announced, Ayres gave a wry smile and gasps were heard from Miss Pearce's family and friends in the public gallery.

Judge Maura McGowan QC has sentenced Ayres to a whole life sentence in prison for his second murder.

During sentencing, she told Ayres: "You took a knife and a hammer to the flat where you knew she was.

"You set about an attack of extraordinary brutality, which in my view amounted to sadism.

"Kelly's addiction to hard drugs had blighted her life in recent years but all of the witnesses we have heard from said she was fun and kind and had a big heart and a warm and open personality.

"All that has gone."

Senior investigating officer, DI Steve Ellis, said: "Ayres is a dangerous individual who brutally attacked Miss Pearce, inflicting horrendous injuries. I would like to thank the family for their patience as we sought to locate Ayres and successfully bring him to justice.

"While the verdict cannot bring Kelly back I hope this brings them a form of closure to their tragic loss.”

Kelly’s mother, Lynne Wallings and her partner, Richard said: "Kelly was a colourful character, who made an impression on everyone she met. She was loved dearly by her friends and family and she showed us so much love and kindness back.

"Kelly will be missed by her mum Lynn, step father Richard, son Josh, Sister Lisa and all her family. We know nothing can bring her back. The verdict today was the right one, at least now Kelly can rest in peace knowing that Anthony Ayres will be sent to prison for the rest of his life.

"We would like to thank Essex Police and the investigation team, for all they have done throughout this horrific ordeal to get justice for Kelly. We would also personally like to thank the first responders, the police and the paramedics who tried their hardest to save Kelly. Their efforts will never be forgotten. Lastly, thanks to Cairns Nelson and Peter Gair for prosecuting Kelly’s case and getting justice.

"Now the court case is over, we would like to try to move on with our lives, to remember the happy times with Kelly and to grieve our loss. We respectfully request that we are left to grieve in private.”

Kelly Pearce murder trial: Accused Anthony Ayres gives evidence

BBC.com

July 21, 2016

A man accused of the "frenzied" murder of a woman has told a court of the "devastating and horrible" moment he came across her body.

Kelly Pearce, 36, was found in a flat on Canvey Island in Essex on 19 November. She died later in hospital.

Anthony Ayres, 49, of Fairlop Avenue in Canvey, denies murdering her.

Giving evidence at Chelmsford Crown Court, he said he thought Ms Pearce had been shot because there was "blood everywhere". The trial continues.

Last week the jury heard the victim had been stabbed 40 times in the face and neck and bludgeoned to death with a hammer -like weapon.

It was described as a "frenzied attack" resulting in fatal neck wounds and skull and brain damage.

Cairns Nelson QC, prosecuting, said Ms Pearce, of North Avenue, was murdered in the bathroom of a flat belonging to one of her friends, Joseph Withers.

Mr Withers, the chief witness for the prosecution, has told the court he was briefly locked out of his flat, while Ms Pearce and Mr Ayres were inside.

Drug 'habit'

When he got back in he claimed to have seen Mr Ayres swinging a hammer.

Mr Ayres, however, told the court he came across her body and thought she had been shot as he could not see specific injuries, just "blood everywhere".

He said he thought Ms Pearce was dead, but then she made a noise as though she was trying to breathe.

"I could hear my heart coming out of my chest, I was hyperventilating," he said.

Mr Ayres said he and Ms Pearce were not in a relationship but admitted they had casual sex.

He also said they both took drugs, although he said he took them casually whereas Ms Pearce "had a habit".

The trial is expected to last another week.

Kelly Pearce murder witness accused of 'frenzied' killing

BBC.com

July 14, 2016

A prosecution witness in the trial of a man accused of the "frenzied" murder of a woman, has been accused of carrying out the killing himself.

Kelly Pearce, 36, was found with fatal throat wounds in a flat belonging to witness Joseph Withers on Canvey Island, Essex, on 19 November.

Accused Anthony Ayres, 49, of Fairlop Avenue in Canvey, denies murdering her.

At Chelmsford Crown Court his defence claimed Mr Withers killed her and then blamed Mr Ayres who arrived later.

Ms Pearce had been stabbed 40 times in the face and neck and bludgeoned to death with a weapon "consistent" with a hammer in a "frenzied attack", the court heard.

She sustained fatal neck wounds and skull and brain damage, and died later in hospital.

The court was told she had been attacked in the bathroom of a flat in Fairlop Avenue in Canvey, belonging to Mr Withers.

On the day of the killing, Mr Withers, who described himself in police interviews as a paranoid schizophrenic, said he was briefly locked out of his flat, while Ms Pearce and Mr Ayres were inside.

When he got back in he claimed to have seen Mr Ayres swinging a hammer.

"I saw him hitting her with the hammer or something. I just saw him hitting like that," he told the court.

'You lost it'

Defence lawyer Oliver Saxby, QC, said: "It sounds like you weren't sure. Why did you say 'or something'?"

"That's best description I could give," Mr Withers replied.

He claimed he had then run from the flat to call the police.

However, Mr Saxby said: "I'm suggesting that either you lost it with her, or that there was somebody else in there who was responsible for what happened."

"It was Tony," Mr Withers replied.

He had said early in the cross-examination: "You're trying to say I attacked Kelly. I would never attack anybody. I'm scared of Kelly."

The trial continues.

Kelly Pearce killed in frenzied knife and hammer attack, court hears

BBC.com

July 12, 2016

A woman was stabbed 40 times in the face and neck and bludgeoned to death with a hammer in a "frenzied attack", a court heard.

Kelly Pearce, 36, was found in a flat on Canvey Island in Essex on 19 November. She died later in hospital.

Anthony Ayres, 49, of Fairlop Avenue in Canvey, denies murdering her.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court was told Mr Ayres had previously been convicted of the murder of a woman in 1993.

The court heard Ms Pearce had sustained fatal neck wounds and skull and brain damage consistent with the use of a hammer.

Cairns Nelson QC, prosecuting, told the jury Ms Pearce, of North Avenue, was murdered in the bathroom of a flat belonging to one of her friends, Joseph Withers.

Earlier that day she had also spent some time in Mr Ayres' flat.

Mr Ayres was arrested the day after Ms Pearce was found, but claimed "somebody else must have done it", Mr Nelson said.

"There's no question she was unlawfully killed, bludgeoned to death and stabbed to death. The case of the prosecution is the perpetrator is the defendant," he added.

The court heard she was the victim of a "frenzied attack" and had been stabbed stabbed 40 times in the face and neck, causing fatal wounds.

She also suffered 10 blunt force impacts to the head, causing skull and brain damage, consistent with the use of a hammer.

Jurors were shown photographs of Mr Withers' flat, where Ms Pearce was found.

"There was blood everywhere", the prosecutor said.

The trial, expected to last three weeks, continues.

Family pay tribute to 'bubbly, loving' mother who died after being found with serious neck injuries as police question a man in connection with her killing

• Anthony Ayres, 48, arrested in connection with death of his on-off girlfriend

• Kelly Pearce, 36, was found with serious neck injuries and died in hospital

• Police launched appeal and Mr Ayres was arrested as part of investigation

• Ms Pearce's family paid tribute, describing her as 'big-hearted and 'bubbly'

By Sam Tonkin For Mailonline

November 21, 2015

The family of a mother who died after being found with serious neck injuries have paid tribute to her 'bubbly personality', as police questioned her on-off boyfriend in connection with her killing.

Officers were called to Fairlop Avenue, Canvey Island, just before 5pm on Thursday, after reports of a serious assault.

Kelly Pearce, 36, of North Avenue, Canvey, was taken to the Royal London Hospital but died soon after 7.30pm.

Essex Police launched an investigation and Anthony Ayres, 48, has since been arrested following an appeal for information.

A spokesman said: 'Police are no longer appealing for the public's help to locate a man wanted in connection with the murder of Kelly Pearce.

'Anthony Ayres has been arrested and will be taken into custody for questioning.'

Ms Pearce's family issued a statement saying they had lost a 'loving mother and daughter who was big-hearted and full of life'.

They added: 'Kelly was blessed with a loud and bubbly personality and she was often heard before she was seen.

'Although Kelly faced struggles in her tragically short life, we will choose to remember her the way that she was at her best - full of life and never afraid to show affection for the people that she loved.'

Nick Alston, police and crime commissioner for Essex, said he was 'appalled and deeply saddened' by the killing.

He added: 'This tragedy must make us question and challenge the continuing prevalence of violence against women and girls in our society. Such horror and loss of life is intolerable.'

Canvey Island murder: Man arrested over death of Kelly Pearce

BBC.com

November 20, 2015

A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a woman in Essex.

The victim, 36-year-old Kelly Pearce, was found with a serious neck injury at a property on Canvey Island at 16:55 GMT on Thursday. She later died in hospital.

Her family described her as "a loving mother and daughter who was big-hearted and full of life".

Anthony Ayres, 48, was arrested on Friday, Essex Police said. He has been taken into custody for questioning.