New probe into brutal killing at city sex shop

DETECTIVES have launched a forensic review into the death of Sandra Phillips, whose body was found in a sex shop more than four decades ago.

- HOLLY MORGAN

Sandra Phillips was killed in June, 1985

The worker was killed at the Private Shop, which she managed, in Dillwyn Street, Swansea city centre, on June 14, 1985. The identity of her killer remains unknown.

Police said at the time she had been raped, struck on the head, and strangled to death before being covered in petrol.

Wayne and Paul Darvell were wrongly convicted of the murder in 1986 and spent six years in prison before their convictions were quashed.

Paul was given a minimum term of 20 years before he would be considered for parole, while Wayne was given a minimum of 15 years.

In 1992, the Darvell brothers' case was sent to the Court of Appeal, where it was alleged that police doctored a confession, falsified notes, and planted evidence.