An 18-year-old has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his mother, which he meticulously planned over several weeks while assembling equipment inspired by a television programme.
Teaching assistant Angela Shellis was found with catastrophic head injuries close to a countryside area by dog walkers in the early hours of the morning.
Her son Tristan Roberts first strangled the woman before striking her with a hammer, then manipulated her into leaving her home by pretending to seek emergency medical assistance, ultimately completing the killing on a coastal walkway.
He marked reaching adulthood by purchasing a blade from a hardware retailer as part of an arsenal he assembled, which also featured a face covering, protective gloves, plastic sheeting, a backpack, an axe, a protective suit, cleaning chemicals, and two hammers, drawing inspiration from a Netflix series.
Store employees were unable to intervene when he purchased the weapon since he had reached his majority and could demonstrate proof of his date of birth.
Prosecuting counsel Andrew Thomas KC stated that Roberts documented these events using a digital recording device. He created an uninterrupted recording exceeding four and a half hours, capturing the entire assault from its beginning through the fatal strikes.
He spent considerable time online investigating criminal cases, killing techniques, and weaponry. He published posts on the social platform Discord revealing his purpose to carry out this act.
Ms Shellis was conscious and spoke in a composed and direct manner, urging him to contact emergency services.
The court was told Roberts’ prolonged assault commenced at approximately 11pm and continued until 3.30am. He captured this on audio recording equipment, with the content described as too harrowing to be played in court.
Mrs Shellis was first attacked inside her own property in Prestatyn before being taken outside. Her son instructed her to don a balaclava and directed her across a railway line, through countryside, to a seat. He retrieved the £20 sledgehammer he had purchased online from his bag and fatally struck her mother several times to the head.
Ms Shellis succumbed to her catastrophic brain injuries.
After the killing, Roberts hauled his mother’s remains roughly 100 metres through woodland before abandoning her among vegetation.
A psychiatric expert who evaluated Roberts confirmed he has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism. The specialist concluded that these conditions did not restrict his capacity to comprehend his actions, reach rational decisions, or manage his behaviour.
Ethan Roberts, Ms Shellis’ eldest child, delivered a statement describing the impact on their family. He explained that his mother solely showed affection towards Tristan and would sacrifice anything for him. He expressed profound rage.
Defence solicitor David Elias commented that any submission made on Roberts’ behalf was not intended to diminish the trauma endured.
Thomas, from Prestatyn, entered a guilty plea to murder.
When passing sentence, Judge Rhys Rowlands stated that it was evident Roberts anticipated causing suffering and death to his mother, and that in recording his actions, he derived satisfaction from exerting dominance over her during her final moments.
Roberts received a life term with a minimum custodial period of 22 and a half years before parole consideration becomes possible.