Rachel, a respectable middle class property manager, is serving 30 years for killing a man she once went on a date with – even though she was 100 miles away from the crime scene. Her mother insists her coercive partner was to blame. Who do you believe?
Rachel Fulstow is serving a 30-year sentence for the murder of Liam Smith, despite being about 100 miles from the scene when Michael Hillier shot Smith and poured acid over him in November 2022. Prosecutors said Fulstow conspired with Hillier under joint-enterprise law, alleging the attack was revenge after she said Smith had raped her following a date. Her mother and appeal lawyer argue that Fulstow was instead manipulated within a coercive and abusive relationship with Hillier, making the case a disputed test of her responsibility.
Hillier, 42, drove to Smith’s Wigan home and killed the 38-year-old electrician; he and Fulstow were both convicted of murder. Fulstow, now 40, had worked in hospitality and property management and owned a home in York before meeting Hillier through Hinge in 2020. Her mother, retired NHS cancer nurse Jenny Fulstow, is seeking to have the conviction overturned and says Hillier alone was responsible for Smith’s death.
- Fulstow was convicted despite being away from the killing.
- Prosecutors alleged she planned revenge with Hillier.
- Her family says coercive control made her a victim.