‘Crossbow killer’ Anthony Lawrence removed dividing wall to neighbour’s loft to creep in and shoot him dead in ‘noise row’
Evil Anthony Lawrence, 55, forced his way into the home of neighbours Shane Gilmer, 30, and Laura Sugden, 27, before shooting him dead and seriously injuring her
A "CROSSBOW killer" neighbour laid in wait to attack a couple after breaking into their property via a hole he fashioned in their dividing loft wall.
Twisted Anthony Lawrence, 55, broke into the home of neighbours Shane Gilmer, 30, and Laura Sugden, 27, and shot him dead. Pregnant Miss Sugden was seriously injured in the incident.
And today disturbing details of Lawrence's murderous rampage were revealed by a close relative.
The relative, who asked not to be named, said Lawrence had sought bloody revenge on the couple because he blamed them for getting him evicted.
He claimed that the couple told Lawrence's landlord that he smoked cannabis in the property.
They also said the couple had complained about the excessive noise coming from Lawrence's semi-detached home when their children were in bed.
The couple's family said today that they wanted to make it clear that Shane and Laura were "entirely innocent" and just "in the wrong place at the wrong time".
The relative said: "About a year ago, the murderer was repeatedly playing loud music while their [Shane's] kids were in bed.
"Shane knocked on the door and the murderer asked him to go around the back and he came out of the house threatening Shane and Laura."
The family member said the couple heard nothing more of the incident for about a year, but recently informed Lawrence's landlord that he was smoking cannabis.
They added: "Then recently, Shane and Laura could smell cannabis in their kids' bedrooms coming from next door and reported him and the murderer was to be evicted for this.
"He told the couple that he blamed them for himself being evicted.
"He had removed part of the dividing wall [in the loft] and cleaned up so nobody would notice.
"We don't know how long ago he had done that or how many times he had been inside their house."
Shane's family, who are from Goole, East Yorks, said Laura is just days away from leaving hospital after making a physical recovery.
The attack happened at around 9.25pm on Friday, January 12, and as Laura managed to escape, Lawrence went on the run.
Villagers in the sleepy hamlet-village of Southburn, near Driffield, were "in shock" over the killing - which is the first murder in the area for a generation.
The manhunt lasted just short of two days when a tip off led Humberside police officers to a camper van in Hackness in the tranquil North York Moors.
The dead body of Lawrence was found inside.
Shane was described by his "heartbroken" family as "a fantastic son and brother".
Paying tribute from her hospital bed, his partner Laura said: "My heart aches more and more every day - all our life plans gone within the blink of an eye.
"I will love you forever and always.
"I have memories that will last me a lifetime, love always your dream girl Laura."
Shane's mum and dad, Pat and Adrian Gilmer, and his brother Joe Gilmer, have also thanked the community in Goole for their support.
A statement released by the family read: "Shane was a fantastic son and brother and we were so proud of him.
"He went through life like a whirlwind with his lovely smile and loud, barking laugh and was always there if anybody needed him.
"He was a great father to his beautiful children and had another baby on the way, which he was so looking forward to.
"There are no words to describe our utter devastation at the loss of Shane and life will never ever be the same again.
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"Thank you Shaneybobs for the 30 years of happiness, love and laughter that you gave us."
Tributes have also been paid by Shane's colleagues at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council where he worked as a housing officer.
Nick Dainton, acting media representative for the East Riding Tenants Association, said: "We'd like to extend our condolences and, of course, our sadness at this time.
"We have cancelled all upcoming tenants association meetings."
Shane attended Kingsway Primary and Vermuyden High School, now known as Goole Academy, where he was a popular figure and made life-long friends.
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