Mum, daughter, partner face trial for ex's planned murder

Helen Shakespeare, 53, her daughter Letisha Goodwin, 30, and Goodwin's partner Anthony Hillier, 33, are on trial for the planned murder of Raymond Groves, 48, who was stabbed to death on July 2 last year in Easterton, Wiltshire. Prosecutor Kate Lumsdon KC presented evidence suggesting the attack was premeditated, contrary to initial claims of self-defense by Shakespeare, who alleged that Groves attempted to rape her. Goodwin reportedly called the police after returning home to find Groves lying on the floor, but the investigation revealed messages between her and Hillier discussing the stabbing. The messages indicated a conspiracy to kill Groves rather than a spontaneous act of passion, with Hillier advising Goodwin on how to carry out the attack. Lumsdon emphasized that evidence showed the murder had been meticulously planned, undermining the defendants' assertions of acting in self-defense. The trial is ongoing as the court hears further details about the events leading up to Groves' death.