Happiness at last for murder victim’s son

FLASHBACK to April last year as Phillip Smith gives his reaction to the life sentences imposed on his father’s killers. With him is his sister Louise Hilditch (left) and fiancee Justine Mills

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As Phillip Smith prepares for a summer wedding, he speaks for the first time about the life-changing advice his father, James, gave him at their final meeting. Seventeen days later, James’s body was found in a back alley after he had been beaten to death by two men on a crime spree.

A man from Derker never forgot the last poignant conversation he had with his father just hours before he was tragically murdered.

Phillip Smith (34) and his fiancee, Justine Mills, met up with his father, James, for a drink in Oldham town centre two years ago.

It was the last time the couple would see him alive, because the 62-year-old grandfather, who went on for a night out, was found dead 17 days later. He was robbed and killed by two men on a crime spree.

But now Phillip and Justine (36), who are to marry this summer, have talked for the first time about the advice they received in their final meeting with Mr Smith.

Speaking from their new home in Spain, Phillip said: “Dad told us to go out and enjoy our lives — as we only had one life to live. We both decided to listen to him and I know he would be very proud of us now.

Changes

“In a conversation a few weeks earlier, he said he knew we were both interested in cooking and suggested we should go into the catering industry.”

So shortly after the tragedy, the couple decided on career changes, with Phillip leaving a motoring company post in Dobcross and Justine packing up in Oldham Council’s IT department.

They took catering roles at The Last Orders in Yorkshire Street and the Spinners Arms, Springhead.

Justine said: “We had a property in Spain and Phil’s dad always said we should try and keep it on and that he would help with the mortgage payments if we were ever struggling.”

In November, 2008, they received some money from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and decided to move to Spain.

“It was a really big step,” said Justine. “We had no jobs but we felt we needed to get away from Oldham and the memories of what happened in the town centre that evening.

“We moved to the Costa Del Sol when the pound against the euro was at its lowest — and we wondered if we had made the right decision.

“We came out at the worst time possible but with the intention that we would work in bars or clean toilets in order to start a new life. Everyone said it wouldn’t work, but, if you are prepared to put the effort in, anything can happen and we are now both happy in our new life.

“We spent our first week handing out our CVs all over the place. The following week Phil was offered a job and he is now manager of a well-known franchise. I work for a spread-betting company and I deal with all the clients’ money.

“We feel like we have always lived here,” she added. “The pound is slowly getting stronger which means more Brits will spend their holidays in Spain again and that will be good for the economy.

“It has been a very difficult and emotional two years but we are looking forward to a bright future here in a lovely part of Spain.”

When the two men were sentenced for Mr Smith’s murder, his daughter, Louise Hilditch, who has four boys including twins, and Phillip paid tribute to their caring, genuine and down-to-earth father.

Phillip added: “Our father meant everything to us. He was a wonderful, highly respected man in the community. We are just sorry he won’t be able to share our wedding day — but we will never forget him.”

Adrian Hutchinson, of Byland Avenue, Holts; and Keith Buckley, of Goodwin Court, Chadderton; will serve minimum terms of 28 years and 26 years respectively for Mr Smith’s murder.