Elizabeth McCann murder: man admits raping and strangling vulnerable woman in Ashton-under-Lyne

A 52-year-man has pleaded guilty to raping and murdering a vulnerable 26-year-old woman in Tameside.

Simon Goold, of Manchester Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, appeared at Manchester Crown Court today and admitted killing Elizabeth McCann, also known as Lizzy.

Goold first met Elizabeth when they took the same class at the Health and Wellbeing College in Ashton-under-Lyne in November 2019. He invited her to a pub in the town in August last year and bought Elizabeth - who rarely drank alcohol and was described as vulnerable - so many double vodkas and sambuca that she needed help to stand.

He put her in a taxi where he sexually assaulted her in the back, and when they arrived outside his flat in Manchester Road, she fell over. Once inside, he raped Elizabeth, took photos and videos of her, and strangled her.

The following morning at 9am, Goold attended Ashton Police station to report there was a dead woman at his bedsit and that he had killed her by strangling her during intercourse which he claimed was consensual. However, on the second day of his trial at court, he finally admitted he had murdered the 26-year-old. He will be sentenced tomorrow (22 February).

Craig Cleminson from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Simon Goold deliberately plied Elizabeth McCann with alcoholic drinks over a short period of time, before taking her back to his flat with the intention of taking advantage of her vulnerable state for his own sexual gratification.

“Throughout the case he claimed that Elizabeth had given her full consent to all that happened to her and that he had not intended to cause her harm. But on the second day of the trial he eventually pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting, raping and murdering her.

“I cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss Elizabeth’s family are experiencing; I would like to express my condolences to them. Nothing can bring her back, but I hope they take some comfort that Goold has been brought to justice for taking her away from them.”

Shortly after Elizabeth’s death, her family paid tribute to her in a statement: “Elizabeth was a very happy and bubbly young lady, who loved to help everyone.

“She loved to go on walks to places like Hartshead Pike, Dovestones and along the canals. Her favourite place to go was Blackpool, especially at Halloween, to see all the decorations and the costumes people were wearing.

“Elizabeth had the biggest heart anyone could ask for, and the warmest smile. She was taken from us too soon, the world hadn’t gotten to know the love Elizabeth gave. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.”