A COLD-BLOODED killer was starting a life sentence today for murder - thanks to the bravery of three key witnesses.

Detectives have said the evidence of three street girls, who braved threats and intimidation, was vital for the conviction of Kenneth Hartley for the murder of his former friend Paul Rothwell.

Detective Inspector Tony Harling, of Blackburn CID, said: "This is a triumph for justice and a lesson to people who think they can get away with murder.

"The witnesses were intimidated and frightened but they still had the courage to come forward, their evidence was vital in convicting Kenneth Hartley."

A jury at Preston Crown Court found Hartley, 26, of Denville Road, Blackburn, guilty after eight hours of deliberations.

Hartley was a close friend of the murder victim and both men were heavily involved in hard drugs.

The verdict came after a seven-day trial which delved into what was described as "the seedy world of drugs and the vice trade in Blackburn".

One frightened eyewitness Lesley Liddiard was told another woman Leah Rodwell would never make it to the stand.

A third woman Sharon Gray told how she saw Hartley with a shotgun minutes before the murder. Police have given all three witnesses round the clock protection in the run up to the court case.

Sentencing Hartley to life Judge Reginald Lockett said: "This was a murder in cold blood and obviously premeditated. "The deceased was shot at close range and died from horrific injuries and the eye witnesses were obviously terrified.

"Paul Rothwell was a drug addict who taxed people for drugs and money but he did not deserve to die in this way."

Hartley said nothing throughout the sentencing but friends and relatives in the public gallery broke down in tears.

The defendant's father Kenneth Hartley said after the verdict: "My son is innocent and has been convicted on the word of drug addicts and prostitutes."

Acting Detective Superintendent Paul Buschini, who led the murder inquiry, said: "I am pleased we were in a position to present the jury with enough evidence to convict Kenneth Hartley.

"This was a difficult investigation. It is difficult enough to give evidence in front of a crown court jury but this man was killed in terrible circumstances.

"This man was shot in the head at close range in his own home in front of two women.

"Hartley never accepted he killed Rothwell and never co-operated with us.

"Therefore I am not in a position to speculate about a motive.

"I deal in fact and what is clear is that Hartley pulled the trigger. But he has never told us why."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.