A notorious killer who was jailed for one of the region's most infamous crimes has appeared in court for a 'serious' offence and was told she is lucky to avoid being sent back to prison.
Julie Beards, 46, was infamously sentenced in 2016 for the rape and manslaughter of Susan Whiting at her home in Walsall in August 2015. She had assisted her then-husband Steven Beards, who drugged the vulnerable 20-year-old before killing her with a hammer.
Beards was later released from custody but was summoned to Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 22. She had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and threatening behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence.
Jonathan Purser, prosecuting, said the offences related to an incident on February 22 this year when Beards was at her new partner's family home. During an argument, she threw or swiped various items onto the floor, causing damage to a candle and a coffee machine valued at £150. Comments made during the incident caused alarm.
District Judge David Wain noted that Beards had made a threat to kill, which was particularly serious given her previous conviction. Naima Hussain, defending, expressed genuine remorse on behalf of Beards, stating she was ashamed of her behaviour and understood how wrong it was. Beards was frustrated and angry but had no intent to carry out the threat. The court heard she had a troubled childhood and was in and out of care.
Judge Wain told Beards: 'This is a serious offence mischarged by the police and Crown Prosecution Service. You should have been charged with threats to kill for which I would have committed you to the crown court in custody. I can only sentence you for what you have pleaded guilty to.' He added: 'I am unable to properly pass an immediate custodial sentence given the poor charging of this case. Consider yourself extremely lucky.'
Referencing Beards' health conditions, the judge allowed her to remain seated as he sentenced her to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. She was ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and adhere to an eight-week curfew between 7pm and 7am. Additionally, she must pay £150 compensation for the damaged coffee machine and a £154 victim surcharge.
Beards, wearing a floral T-shirt, blue patterned trousers, and a wrist support, attended court alone. There was no direct mention of her role in the brutal killing of Ms Whiting more than a decade ago.
Julie Beards met Susan Whiting at an adult community centre; both had learning difficulties. On August 16, 2015, Ms Whiting stayed at Beards' home in Bloxwich, Walsall, as she had done before. Her food was laced with the sedative Zopiclone. Steven Beards raped and then fatally beat Ms Whiting with a hammer. The couple lied to Ms Whiting's family, claiming she left their house safe. Police later found her body wrapped in a shower curtain beneath a bed.
Steven Beards was sentenced to life with a minimum of 33 years for rape and murder. Julie Beards was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. The jury could not reach a verdict on the rape charge, to which she later pleaded guilty before a retrial. Psychiatrists assessed her as having the mental age of a nine-year-old and the educational attainment of a nursery pupil. Her favourite activities included pushing dolls in a pram and watching Disney films. The court heard she was impressionable, suggestible, and vulnerable, with evidence that Steven Beards controlled and abused her. Mr Justice Green said her culpability was low but she knew right from wrong. In December 2016, she was sentenced to seven years and three months, of which she served half in custody.
