LONDON, Jun 6: Zoe Rider, 36, and Nicola Lethbridge, 45, have been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years for the "vicious and extremely violent" attack on their 60-year-old neighbor, Stephen Koszyczarski, in his Sheffield flat. The court heard that on August 9, 2023, they falsely accused Koszyczarski of being a pedophile, assaulted him, and recorded the attack. Koszyczarski sustained 22 injuries and died two days later from a head injury. The pair were also sentenced to 13 years for robbery, to run concurrently with their life sentences.

Judge Sarah Wright condemned their actions as fueled by drugs and alcohol, noting the brutality and lack of compassion shown during the attack. Jurors saw disturbing footage of threats and abuse, including threats to mutilate Koszyczarski with scissors. Despite his pleas for mercy, the defendants continued their assault. Koszyczarski managed to call for an ambulance before succumbing to his injuries. South Yorkshire Police arrested Rider and Lethbridge after door-to-door inquiries and reviewing alarm recordings and video evidence.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward described Koszyczarski as a quiet man who was subjected to both mental and physical torture by Rider and Lethbridge, who falsely accused him of being a pedophile. Both women were found guilty of murder and robbery in May.