Jurors found Zoe Rider, 36, and Nicola Lethbridge, 45, guilty of the robbery and murder of Stephen Koszyczarski after falsely accusing him of being a paedophile. The two women filmed an assault on Mr. Koszyczarski, taunting and attacking him at his home in Sheffield. The court heard that the women had no evidence to prove Mr. Koszyczarski was a sex offender, and a police investigation found no wrongdoing on his part. One of the defendants could be heard in the footage saying, “Dirty, f****** wrong ‘un…Having his f****** balls cut off.” The court was shown footage of the attack during the trial.
Mr. Koszyczarski, a quiet man who lived alone, was described as a collector. On the day of his murder, he had received money from a café owner he knew, who was concerned about him running short of money. CCTV footage captured Mr. Koszyczarski on his way home, pressing a button for assistance later that night. He told the operator he had been attacked and was bleeding, with female voices heard in the background. Despite efforts to save him, Mr. Koszyczarski died two days later in the hospital from injuries sustained in the assault.
Post-mortem examination revealed that Mr. Koszyczarski suffered a sustained and brutal assault, leading to his death. He had injuries to his head, neck, and chest, indicating a sadistic attack. Forensic evidence linked Rider and Lethbridge to the crime scene, including DNA on a pair of jogging bottoms found at the victim’s home. Both women were remanded into custody and are set to be sentenced on June 5. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward praised the community’s support during the investigation, emphasizing the impact of violence on victims and their loved ones.
The guilty verdicts brought some comfort to those seeking justice for Mr. Koszyczarski’s senseless murder. The case highlighted the consequences of violence and the importance of standing up against criminals in our communities. Rider and Lethbridge subjected Mr. Koszyczarski to mental torture and physical abuse, falsely accusing him of being a paedophile. The court heard that there was no basis for their accusations, and their actions led to the tragic loss of an innocent life. The verdict serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violence on individuals, families, and communities, underscoring the need for justice and accountability in such cases.
The two women’s callous and sadistic attack on Mr. Koszyczarski shocked the community and sparked outrage among those who knew him as a quiet and harmless man. The brutality and senselessness of the crime resonated with the public, leading to widespread support for the police investigation and legal proceedings. The trial revealed the chilling details of the assault captured in footage, showcasing the disturbing behavior of the perpetrators. The verdict marked a significant step towards ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable for their actions. The community’s response to the case reflected a unified stance against violence and a commitment to seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones.
