Sentences handed down following 'brutal' manslaughter of Martin Shaw in 2023

Two local people have been convicted of the manslaughter of a man following a brutal assault in 2023.

Jemma Marshall (aged 37), of Burns Close, Oldham and Jason Wadsworth (37), of Shaw, were both convicted today at Manchester Crown Court of the manslaughter 45-year-old Martin Shaw in 2023.

Wadsworth was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

Marshall was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

The court heard how just before 9.30pm, on September 10, 2023, Shaw was walking home from a local shop, along Ashton Road.

Marshall and Wadsworth drove past him in Marshall’s car, where he was then dragged in to the vehicle, and subjected to a violent assault.

This attack sadly led to his death almost eight weeks later.

The offenders repeatedly struck Shaw in the face and across his body.

During the assault, Marshall expressed annoyance about blood being sprayed inside her vehicle, showing no remorse.

Following the attack, Marshall and Wadsworth drove Shaw back to his residence, where they entered without permission.

Wadsworth was overheard shouting, “You better give her, her money,” at Shaw.

Shaw was a vulnerable individual who struggled with drug and alcohol dependency.

Marshall exploited Shaw and other drug users by engaging in drug use with them and subsequently claiming they owed her money.

These alleged debts would then escalate over time. Wadsworth acted as Marshall’s enforcer, using intimidation and violence to reinforce her demands.

Marshall (pictured above) and Wadsworth were caught on CCTV leaving Shaw’s address, a couple of minutes after entering.

Police attended shortly after and spoke to Shaw who had visible injuries, he told officers that he had been beaten.

Later that evening, Mr Shaw became unwell, and he collapsed.

The paramedics attended and he was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital, where he died on November 4.

Marshall was arrested on September 12, 2023 and interviewed by police the following day, where she claimed that she had simply given Mr Shaw a lift home and heard Wadsworth scuffling with Mr Shaw in the back of the car.

She claimed that she had lent Mr Shaw money in the past but had never threatened him for not paying her back.

Wadsworth was arrested on September 22 and made no comment in his police interview.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson said: “Martin Shaw was subject to a terrifying and brutal assault, sadly leading to his death weeks later because of a ruptured spleen and multiple rib fractures.

"This vicious attack – for which neither perpetrator has expressed remorse – was truly vile and I am glad they are now behind bars.

“Marshall and Wadsworth exploited and killed a vulnerable individual using severe force to demand money – even complaining about getting blood on the car as the attack happened.

“These sorts of acts have no place on the streets of Greater Manchester, and we will always seek to get justice for victims of crimes like this.

"I am glad we have secured convictions in this case.

“We urge anybody who feels they are being exploited or threatened to report it to us, and we can help and support you.

"Nobody should lose their life over a financial debt.”

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