Robert Harvey receives 23 year jail sentence for the murder of Tilly Campbell
22 Sep 2009
Robert Harvey receives 23 year jail sentence for the murder of Tilly Campbell
Poilce and family statements following sentencing of Robert Harvey on Friday September 18 2009.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Sean Wright said:
"Tilly Campbell was a strong willed and very popular woman who lived peacefully in the seaside town of Donaghadee. The size of her funeral was testament to how well known she was throughout the community. Tilly was 77 years old when she was brutally beaten to death by her neighbour, Robert Harvey, on October 9 2006.
Today, Robert Harvey has been sent to jail for her murder. While I cannot begin to imagine the sorrow that is felt by Tilly’s family, I can only hope that today will bring some comfort to them. I wish to thank the people of Donaghadee for their assistance with the police investigation, especially given the circumstances surrounding Tilly’s death and Mr Harvey’s efforts to conceal his involvement.
The team of detectives working on this case should also be recognised for their hard work and diligent approach. Robert Harvey was arrested on the same day that Tilly’s body was discovered, and continually denied murdering her throughout questioning. But given the amount of evidence against him, eventually he had no other choice than to admit that he was a murderer. "
Statement from Tilly Campbell’s family
"It is nearly three years now since our mum was brutally murdered by Robert Harvey and those three years have been very long and painful for us as a family. Today brings a degree of closure with regard to the court process, however our heartache will continue.
Mum was a vulnerable lady who lived on her own in a home where she had felt safe. She suffered a horrible death by this evil man. No court sentence will ever be enough for him. We have lost a mother and our children have lost their grandmother. Mum never had the opportunity to know her great-grandchildren.
As a family we feel that society needs to be protected against monsters like Robert Harvey. No other family should have to endure what we have gone through.
We thank all the professionals who have been involved in the investigation into mum’s murder. Particular thanks should go to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and to the Police Investigation team."
