Life Sentence for Axeman Kieran Oldham in Shocking Rochdale Murder
A brutal axe attack has ended the life of 21-year-old Liam Richardson in a horrific crime that has shaken Rochdale. Kieran Oldham, 37, was found guilty of murder after a savage assault in October 2022.
Cold-Blooded Attack in Oldham’s Home
Oldham, from Industry Road, had pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and affray but denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility and offering a manslaughter plea. However, a jury at Minshull Street Crown Court rejected this. They convicted him of murder, sentencing Oldham to life behind bars with a minimum of 22 years.
Detective Inspector Rachel Smith of Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team described the attack as “horrific and sustained.” She added, “Liam had been staying with Oldham, believed to be friends, but evidence suggests he was bullied before being violently killed.”
Aftermath of Terror: The Chase and Further Violence
Following the murder, Oldham left Liam’s body at his home. Hours later, he turned up bloodied and barefoot at friends’ house, where he held a couple hostage for 90 minutes. One victim managed to call 999, but Oldham escaped before the police arrived.
Armed with an iron bar, Oldham then damaged a parked car on Gale Street and struck a 17-year-old who confronted him. Police swiftly arrested Oldham nearby on suspicion of murder.
Justice for Liam’s Family
“This sentence hopefully brings some comfort to Liam’s family and friends, who faced the pain of this awful crime every day in court,” said Detective Inspector Smith. “We worked tirelessly to prove Oldham’s guilt and that he intended to kill.”
Liam’s mother, Susan Hartley, spoke emotionally during the trial: “There are no words to describe our grief. On 3rd October, my world collapsed. Watching my children grieve for their brother has truly broken my heart. We will love Liam always and hope to make him proud.”
The Fatal Scene
Police discovered Liam’s mangled body at the top of the stairs at Oldham’s home, with a bloodied axe lying nearby. A Home Office post-mortem confirmed death from multiple axe wounds.
Oldham initially denied the attack, concocting a story about a gang assaulting them both, but police exposed his lies during the investigation.
This chilling case highlights a devastating betrayal of trust that ended a young man’s life and left a community reeling.
