Man jailed for life for ‘brutal’ murder of woman in north Manchester
Dean Johnstone enlisted the help of his sisters to try to cover up what he'd done
A man has been jailed for life after brutally attacking 50-year-old Karen Youdell in north Manchester, leaving her in a coma from which she never recovered.
Dean Johnstone, 43, inflicted catastrophic injuries on Karen in the garden of his home on Rosebank Road, Newton Heath, in July 2023. She died 10 months later in May 2024 without regaining consciousness.
A court heard how her injuries included a bleed on the brain, fractured jaw, broken ribs, bruising to her abdomen, and multiple lacerations.
Johnstone, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to her murder at Manchester Crown Court earlier this year and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years and six months. He also admitted to the non-fatal strangulation of his then-partner Lois Drinkwater.
Scene staged to cover up violent assault
The court was told how Johnstone's sisters, Lisa and Yvonne Johnstone, along with Lisa’s partner Glen Nelson, attempted to cover up the attack. After Karen was found unresponsive, the group staged a scene to make it appear she had fallen while drunk in the garden.
In reality, a witness had seen Johnstone assaulting Karen in the early hours, and evidence showed she was moved indoors and then back outside. A broken wooden broom handle found at the scene is believed to have been used in the attack.
Johnstone called his sister Lisa after the assault, who arrived at the house with Nelson. After dropping Nelson at work, Lisa picked up their sister Yvonne. An ambulance was not called until 9am—hours after the assault. When officers arrived, the women falsely claimed they had found Karen slumped in the garden.
Lisa Johnstone (44), of Scotland Hall Road, and Glen Nelson (41), of the same address, were both jailed for 40 months after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice. Yvonne Johnstone (46), of Amos Street, received a 27-month sentence for the same offence.
Dean Johnstone handed himself into police at Central Park station on 1st August 2023.
‘We had to lose our mum twice’
In a heartfelt tribute, Karen’s daughters, Leanne and Olivia, described the devastating impact of her death on their family.
They said: “Karen could light up a room with her infectious smile, her giddy laugh, and her dancing. She was well liked by our community in Newton Heath and was always there for everyone. She was the kind of person who would give you her last £10 if you needed it.
“We had to lose our mum twice and our final memories are of her in a vegetative state—so far removed from the vibrant woman she once was. We are devastated by our loss. In losing Karen, we have lost a mum, a nana, an auntie, a daughter and a sister. Our family will never be the same and her absence will be felt forever.”
Detective: ‘A brutal, violent attack’
Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Buchanan, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts as an investigation team are still with Karen’s loved ones at what is a very emotional and difficult time for them.
“This was a brutal, violent attack where Dean Johnstone’s co-conspirators have repeatedly lied in a bid to cover up their crimes. Our investigation proved they were lying and they will now have time to reflect on their actions—hopefully we have been able to bring justice and some form of closure for the family.”