Life Sentence for Killer of John Hay.

Friday 21 September, 2012.

A 63-year old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murdering Fenay Bridge man, John Hay.

Kenneth Bill of Upper Hagg Road, Netherthong was sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of 22-years.

DCI Lisa Griffin, of the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team led the investigation into John's death.  She said: "Kenneth Bill has today been convicted of the murder of John Hay. He had planned this murder in meticulous detail, intending to dispose of all evidence in the hope that John Hay’s family, friends and the police would believe that he had committed suicide by jumping off the Humber bridge. But John Hay had no earthly reason to commit suicide; he was a successful businessman with a loving wife, adult children and grandchildren. He was devoted to them and they in return loved him dearly. He was described by all who knew him as a hard working, thoroughly decent man who was a gentle giant. He was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home on Thursday 15^th March 2012. John Hay had taken his granddaughter to school that morning. He was then lured to industrial premises in Meltham Mills on the false pretext of undertaking building work and was beaten to death by Kenneth Bill. The family are devastated by their loss and now have to face a life ahead without the love and support of this very special man."

Carol Hay, wife of John added: "I am so relieved that justice has been done and Ken Bill has been found guilty of this horrific crime. Not only has he wrecked the lives of my family, robbing us of a most wonderful husband, father and granddad, he has also surely devastated his own family's lives. The whole thing has been a terrible ordeal but I am so grateful to West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team for the diligent way in which this matter was investigated and the caring and sensitive manner in which our family has been treated.