A “manipulative and dangerous” triple killer has been handed a whole-life prison tariff for the brutal murders of a mother and son and a pregnant woman.

Anthony Russell pleaded guilty to the murders of 58-year-old Julie Williams and her son David Williams, 32, at separate flats in Coventry on 25 and 21 October 2020 respectively.

He also admitted the 26 October murder of pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor, who was found in woodland near Leamington Spa three days later.

After a retrial at Warwick Crown Court, Russell was also unanimously convicted of raping Ms McGregor, whom he had assaulted hours after she showed him a picture of her baby scan.

Sentencing the 39-year-old in his absence on Friday, Mr Justice Wall told the killer: “You are a man prepared to use very significant violence on anyone.

“You are exceptionally dangerous to those who know you, and those who do not.”

Mr Justice Wall said guidelines on whole-life orders required that the sentence should be reserved for “exceptionally serious” cases.

“I have no doubt that this is a case which falls fairly and squarely within the description of being exceptionally serious,” he said.

“There were three murders – each was separated in time and location. Each was the result of a separate murderous act which was sustained and brutal. Each involved the use of very significant violence.

“You will remain in custody for the rest or your life and will never be eligible to apply to the Parole Board for your release.”

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