Life term for man who walked into police station and confessed to 1994 murder

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he walked into a police station and confessed his involvement in a murder more than 30 years ago.

Robert Lloyd, 53, admitted to officers his part in the brutal killing of 26-year-old Michael McDermott in Moston, Manchester, in November 1994. Lloyd was part of a group of masked men armed with baseball bats and knives who attacked Mr McDermott at a relative’s home in Ashville Terrace. The offenders burst through the front door of the property at about 10.30pm on November 9 and inflicted several injuries, including stab wounds, on their target as he lay on a sofa. Following the attack, the assailants ran across the road to a ginnel and onto Oakville Terrace to a waiting vehicle which then drove them from the scene. The case was reopened by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) major investigation team last October in the wake of Lloyd’s confession. In March, Lloyd, from Denton, Tameside, was jailed at Manchester Crown Court for a minimum of 17 years after he pleaded guilty to murder but reporting restrictions were placed on the case as police inquiries continued. On Monday, the reporting restrictions were lifted by a judge in a hearing at the same court. The police investigation remains ongoing as detectives bid to identify the other individuals involved in the attack. Detective Inspector Rachel Smith, from the major investigation team, said: “Michael’s death 30 years ago was devastating for his loved ones and has left unanswered questions ever since. “Whilst our investigation into this attack continues, it is my hope that Michael’s family feels a sense of reassurance and peace after this sentencing. They continue to be supported by specialist officers. “Our investigation into the circumstances of Michael’s tragic death are very much active and I urge anyone with information to please come forward. I can assure you, it’s not too late.” Anyone with information can contact 0161 856 4814 quoting log 1118 of 29/10/2025, or can report via live chat on the GMP website. Alternatively, you can report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit the major investigation portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/0601020302B18-PO1

Published: 21/09/2026 by Radio NewsHub