Malton killer’s past as fraudster who preyed on war hero

Over several weeks, Morgan went on to steal £4,240 from Mr Whitwell’s account, squandering it on alcohol and gambling.

It was only when Mr Whitwell got his bank statement that he realised Morgan had been systematically withdrawing money.

When his crimes were finally discovered, police found he had also stolen Mr Whitwell’s war medal and Battle of Britain brochures.

Morgan admitted fraud, theft and handling stolen goods, having initially denied the charges, and was jailed at the time for 15 months.

But his offending was to take a much more violent turn after his release when he went on to murder his ex-partner.

During his sentencing, the court was told Morgan, of Chandler’s Wharf in Malton, was subject to his third violence prevention order and on police bail for assaulting Ms Welford.

However, on 24 April, he breached the order and was seen drinking alcohol with Ms Welford in York.

The court was told the pair travelled back to Malton and were drinking beside the River Derwent when Morgan broke her femur and held her under water.

Ms Welford died of her injuries in hospital the next day.