Teen high on laughing gas jailed after using car as a weapon to kill mum-of-three

In the quiet hilltop village of Carnkie, Cornwall, a horror unfolded nearly a quarter of a century ago that has left indelible scars on the community and the families involved. In August 2000, Lee Ford, then 33, carried out a chilling massacre that claimed the lives of four children—Sarah Jane, 17; Anne Marie, 16; Steven, 14; and Craig, 13—and their mother, Lesley Ford, 36. The victims were found dead in the family home, with their bodies hidden in a woodshed for weeks before being discovered. Ford used a rope to strangle the children and a baseball bat to kill Lesley. The brutality of the crime shocked the nation, earning Ford the moniker “Britain’s most evil stepdad.”

The tragedy struck when Ford, who had recently become Lesley’s husband, began a relationship with Sarah Jane, the eldest child. This led to a volatile situation within the household. Ford's violent tendencies escalated, culminating in the murders. He concealed the bodies and tried to cover up the crime, even attempting to cash in Sarah’s wages from McDonald’s. The discovery of the bodies came after a neighbor tipped off authorities about finding two girls in a field, prompting further investigation that uncovered the remaining victims.

Michael Tranter, Lesley’s ex-husband and the father of the four children, has spent the past 26 years fighting for justice. He has campaigned tirelessly to ensure that Ford remains incarcerated for the rest of his life. Despite receiving five life sentences with a minimum tariff of 27 years, concerns linger about Ford potentially being eligible for release in October 2027. Tranter expressed deep anguish over the loss of his family and the ongoing fear that Ford might escape justice. He recounted the harrowing moments when he learned of the disappearances, describing the emotional turmoil and anxiety that followed.

The impact of these crimes rippled through the community, leaving lasting trauma. The local police and residents remember the incident as one of the darkest chapters in Carnkie’s history. The discovery of the bodies brought both relief and sorrow, as the truth behind the deaths emerged slowly. The police investigation revealed Ford’s meticulous planning to hide the bodies and manipulate the narrative surrounding the family’s disappearance. The psychological toll on Tranter has been immense, with periods of intense stress and anxiety affecting his mental health significantly.

In another part of the country, a separate but equally tragic incident occurred in September 2025, involving Kian Bateman, a 19-year-old who was high on laughing gas when he intentionally drove into a group of people, resulting in the death of Shelley Davies, a mother of three, and serious injuries to her partner, David Bratcher. Bateman was found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm, receiving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. The court heard that Bateman had attended a music event with friends before deciding to return to his girlfriend’s place, only to encounter a conflict that led to the fatal collision.

The incident highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and reckless behavior, particularly among young drivers. Bateman’s defense argued that his actions were impulsive and not premeditated, emphasizing his youth and lack of prior criminal record. However, the prosecution stressed the deliberate nature of his actions, noting how he used his vehicle as a weapon against Bratcher, inadvertently killing Davies in the process. The sentencing underscored the gravity of the consequences of such reckless decisions, with the judge acknowledging Bateman’s remorse and the need for rehabilitation.

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served for both victims and their families. The cases of Lee Ford and Kian Bateman stand as stark reminders of the potential for violence and the importance of accountability within the justice system. While the former case highlights the enduring pain of a father seeking closure, the latter underscores the complexities of youthful indiscretions and the need for stringent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Both incidents have left profound impacts on their respective communities, shaping discussions around safety, responsibility, and the pursuit of justice.