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Man accused of killing artist allegedly faked messages claiming Joanna Lumley backed guinea pig sanctuary
A murder trial has heard that George Gordon allegedly used messages pretending to be Delia McInerney to conceal her death, including a claim that Joanna Lumley had agreed to support a guinea pig sanctuary. Gordon, 65, admits killing the artist but says he acted in self-defence; prosecutors allege the killing was planned and partly motivated by financial gain.
McInerney, 62, was preparing to move to Portugal with her five guinea pigs when she was killed in April 2023. The prosecution says Gordon later stole thousands of pounds and took out loans and credit cards in her name, while falsely telling friends she was alive or in a coma. Police found her dismembered remains and the guinea pigs in a freezer at his St Helens flat in January 2026.
In short
- Gordon admits killing McInerney but claims self-defence.
- Prosecutors allege he killed her for financial gain.
- Messages sent in her name included a claim about Joanna Lumley.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The prosecution’s case is that the killing was planned and financially motivated, and that the messages, alleged use of McInerney’s identity and later borrowing point to an effort to conceal the crime and profit from it. If established, that evidence would support the allegation that this was not an act of self-defence.
The case against
Gordon admits killing McInerney but says he acted in self-defence, so his account may be that the death occurred during an immediate confrontation rather than as part of a plan. The later messages and financial transactions, even if proved, do not by themselves settle how or why the killing happened; the jury must assess the evidence and whether the prosecution has disproved self-defence.
Explained simply
Joanna Lumley is a well-known British actor and presenter, while Delia McInerney was an artist who planned to move to Portugal with her five guinea pigs. George Gordon knew McInerney and admits killing her in April 2023, but says he acted in self-defence.
The trial is examining what happened before and after her death, including allegations that Gordon used false messages to make friends believe she was alive. Prosecutors also allege he took money and borrowed in her name; he denies that the killing was planned.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Killer who hid artist’s body in freezer along with pets ‘claimed Joanna Lumley had agreed to be patron of guinea pig sanctuary’ in messages pretending she was alive, court hears”.