Man handed life sentence for murdering Melissa Eastick

The killer of Sunderland woman Melissa Eastick has been handed a life sentence – after she sustained more than 100 injuries at his hands.  

Stephen Todd dialled 999 at around 7am on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, to report he had found Melissa was unresponsive inside his address on Stockton Terrace in Grangetown. 

Emergency services attended where sadly the 36-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and Todd was arrested on suspicion of murder.  

Enquiries by the Force’s Major Investigation Team revealed Melissa had suffered more than 100 injuries leading up to her death including bruises, cigarette burns and fractures.  

A trawl of CCTV led detectives to uncover holes in Todd’s account – including footage of him buying two bottles of alcohol when Melissa would have likely been unconscious or dead. 

Todd, now 41, had also claimed to paramedics upon arrival that, “she seemed alright yesterday,” – despite the pair’s last sighting together being more than two weeks earlier.  

Todd was charged with Melissa’s murder earlier this year and denied the offence. 

Last month he went on trial at Newcastle Crown Court but pleaded guilty to murder on the third day.  

Todd, of Buttermere Street, Sunderland, appeared before the same court today (Wednesday) where he was handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 21 years and four months in prison. 

In a victim impact statement from Melissa’s family, they spoke of their pain of losing “a sister, a mother, an aunty and a much-loved member” of their family.

While she had a “hard childhood”, they said she was “a bubbly, friendly child who got on with anyone.” 

Her family said when Melissa started a relationship with Todd, they felt like they “had lost her” and struggled to make contact or know where she was. 

Despite this, Melissa had been spotted in July last year while Todd was in prison for assaulting her, with her family saying, “she seemed happy.” 

However, a few months later they were all left “shocked and devastated” after finding out from police that Melissa had likely been murdered. 

They said: “We felt so sorry for her having a bad start to her life – and that it continued throughout her life. 

“As a family we have tried our best, to tell her we love her and try and get her back on track, but she’d always find her way back to Todd.  

“We are now traumatised by this and wished we’d done more. Melissa was a much-loved member of the family who was taken too soon.” 

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Melissa’s loved ones as they continue to come to terms with their loss.   

“While nothing can bring Melissa back, I do hope the sentencing handed down today brings her family some sense of closure knowing that Todd is behind bars for a significant period.” 

Det Chief Insp Jenkins added: “Domestic abuse, no matter the form it takes, is completely unacceptable and we are committed to putting perpetrators before the courts. 

“If any part of this case sounds familiar, for you or someone you know, we would urge you to seek support at the earliest opportunity.” 
  
For anyone who has concerns over a partner, the partner of a friend or family member, who may have a history of violence, Clare’s Law can be used to check the person’s background.  
  
Officers can check their record to help people make an informed decision about their relationship and escape if necessary.  
  
The service is free and 100% confidential – no one will ever know that the applicant has applied for information.  
  
To find out more, make an application under Clare’s Law, visit this page of our website.

If you have immediate concerns about someone’s safety, always dial 999.