A Leeds man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Samantha Varley, who was found beaten to death at her home in Harehills.
Varley, 44, was discovered dead at an address on Brown Hill Terrace on February 12, 2024, after a family member, concerned for her welfare, alerted police when she failed to respond to calls. Officers forced entry and found signs of a violent struggle inside.
Brutal & Prolonged Attack
A post-mortem revealed that Samantha had suffered extensive injuries, including being repeatedly kicked and stamped on in a sustained assault.
Her partner of six months, Warren Spence, was identified as the suspect. Police launched a murder investigation, and Spence was arrested three days later in Scarborough before being brought back to Leeds for questioning.
Investigators determined that Samantha had been attacked days before her body was found, left to die from her gruesome injuries. Spence was charged with murder and convicted following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.
Sentencing & Police Statement
On March 29, 2025, Spence was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 24 years.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, the Senior Investigating Officer, described the attack as horrific and merciless:
“Sam Varley suffered a horrendous catalogue of injuries in a brutal and sustained attack by Warren Spence. He then left her there to die without the slightest consideration.”
He added that West Yorkshire Police remains committed to tackling violence against women, urging victims and those aware of domestic abuse to seek help through police or partner organizations.
Family’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Samantha’s family released a statement, calling Spence a “monster” and remembering Samantha’s kind and loving nature:
“Sam’s death has had a devastating impact on all our family, more so as we’ve learned the awful circumstances in which she was taken from us and the suffering she endured.”
They added:
“Although Sam’s death will remain a heartache forever, her family chooses to remember her for the beautiful, kind, loving, and funny girl she really was—our Sam.”
The case has shone a light on the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
