‘Evil’ Killer With Long History Of Domestic Violence Faces Life Behind Bars
Vincent Morgan has been found guilty of murdering his former partner in the River Derwent, and now faces life behind bars after being found guilty of her murder
Vincent Morgan found guilty of murdering a “wonderful mum”. (Image: North Yorkshire Police / SWNS)
A violent and “evil” domestic abuser who drowned his girlfriend in a river faces life behind bars after being found guilty of her murder.
Vincent Morgan, 47, held Lisa Welford’s head under water while pretending to help her out of the River Derwent in Malton, North Yorkshire, in April. She was only dragged to safety after a passer-by summoned help but she later died in hospital his trial heard.
Tonight police said in a statement that Morgan had a “long history of physical abuse against Lisa” and revealed he was the subject to his third Domestic Violence Prevention Order (DVPO). The force, which referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct after Lisa’s death, also revealed he was on police bail at the time of the murder.
Vincent Morgan and Lisa Welford on her last bus journey Morgan had a history of attacking his partners before he formed a relationship with Lisa, 49, Leeds crown court was told. A former girlfriend told how she ended up “clinging to the railings for dear life” after he tried to send her plunging into the water and said “when he was drinking, he was evil”.
Morgan was banned from contacting or being with Lisa under a court order, the trial heard, but the pair ended up walking down a path which runs alongside the River Derwent near Malton bus station. He showed no reaction as the jury convicted him of Lisa’s murder by a majority verdict on Monday after nearly 11 hours of deliberations.
They also convicted him unanimously of causing her actual bodily harm on two previous occasions. Lisa’s relatives wept silently as the verdicts were delivered.
The jury heard Lisa, speaking on a police bodycam, say how she was so terrified of Morgan she didn’t want to give a statement against him. She said that if he was jailed he would only hit her when he came out. They also heard from Lisa’s friends how scared she was of him and how she had had to call out police to get him out of her house when he moved in.
Morgan was jailed in 2022 for conning a 102-year-old Dunkirk veteran by claiming he would do his gardening. But instead he stole his commemorative war medal and used his bank card to steal thousands of pounds from his bank account.
Police have released a new photo of Morgan after he was convicted of murder Lisa’s family paid tribute to her after her death, describing her as a ‘wonderful mum’ who will be ‘sadly missed’. They said at the time: “Lisa was a wonderful daughter, mum, auntie, and little sister. She had many friends both locally and further afield and will be sadly missed by all..”
North Yorkshire Police said in a statement how Morgan was on the riverbank claiming that she had jumped into the water.
“Lisa was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital where it was found she was suffering from head injuries, a bleed on the brain, fractured ribs, a fractured collar bone and a severely fractured femur. She was sadly pronounced dead at 7.30am on Thursday 25 April.
“Lisa’s numerous and severe injuries, combined with the low-growing branches at the scene, would have made it impossible for Lisa to jump into the river as claimed by Morgan.
“CCTV uncovered as part of the police investigation, shows Lisa walking unaided, without any sign of injury, towards the river that evening.
“Morgan, described as a violent and controlling man by a previous partner, had a long history of physical abuse against Lisa. At the time of the murder, he was subject to his third Domestic Violence Prevention Order (DVPO) and was on police bail under the condition that he had no contact with Lisa.
“He was initially arrested at the scene for breach of this DVPO, then later arrested and charged with Lisa’s murder.
Wonderful mum Lisa Welford murdered by her abusive partner. ( Image:
North Yorkshire Police / SWNS) Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page, who led the investigation, comments: “North Yorkshire Police welcome the verdict today and our thoughts are with Lisa’s family. We work extremely hard to protect victims of domestic abuse from harm and pursue those responsible.
“If you are a victim or are worried that a friend or family member may be, please reach out – there is support available. North Yorkshire Police have a dedicated Domestic Abuse Team who work closely with our partners to help victims and survivors of abuse.
“Separating from someone who is controlling can be a difficult and dangerous time for people living with domestic abuse and we recommend that victims reach out for support.
The River Derwent where Morgan murdered Lisa Welford ( Image:
YorkshireLive/MEN Media) “North Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following this tragedy.’
“North Yorkshire Police work quietly and confidentially with many agencies and professionals, help will always be there for those in abusive relationships, in ways that work with them to keep them safe.
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, told Morgan he faces life in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday. After her death North Yorkshire Police referred itself to the IOPC because of the previous contact they’d had with Lisa Welford who are still investigating.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
