Sir David Amess' killer given whole-life sentence

Sir David Amess was a much loved MP. (Photo: ITN News)

Islamist terrorist Ali Harbi Ali has been given a whole life sentence for the murder of Catholic MP, Sir David Amess.

Sir David was murdered inside a church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex during a constituency surgery last year. 

He had been the Conservative MP for Southend West since 1997, and was a devout Catholic. 

Ali, 26, pretended to be moving to the area and concerned about the closure of churches in order to gain access to the MP. 

During his trial at the Old Bailey, the court heard how Ali had been inspired by Islamic State propaganda. 

The Old Bailey also heard that Ali had been referred to the government's anti-terrorism programme, Prevent, in 2014 but was later deemed not to be a threat. 

The jury took just 18 minutes to find him guilty of the murder of Sir David and planning other attacks against MPs.

Sir David's family said it "broke their heart" to think that he would have "greeted the murderer with a smile of friendship".

Judge Mr Justice Sweeney said: "This was a murder that struck at the heart of our democracy."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "Sir David Amess was a beloved colleague, public servant and friend who championed the city of Southend in everything he did. My thoughts today remain with Julia, the Amess family and all those who knew and loved him."

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, "My thoughts with the loved ones of Sir David Amess."

News
God is the remedy for grief
God is the remedy for grief

To have loved deeply and to have been loved in return is one of life’s greatest gifts. But when that love is taken away, grief follows. And grief, in many ways, never fully leaves.

What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?
What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?

Although the draft guidance applies only to schools in England, there are ramifications for Scotland too.

Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?
Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?

St Paul wrote a timeless definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter”, which is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible and is often read at weddings. This is the story …

Christian and family groups denounce trans schools guidance
Christian and family groups denounce trans schools guidance

While the guidance gets some things right, it still permits social transitioning.