Father’s plea over victim of strangler

Michael Brown described his daughter Clare Wood as “precious” and told the hearing that, although he did not want anyone “crucified”, he did want lessons to be learned.

The 36-year-old victim, who had a 10-year-old daughter, was strangled and set on fire by George Appleton, 40, after she broke off their relationship.

Police watchdogs concluded Ms Wood had been badly let down by “individual and systemic” failures by Greater Manchester Police.

In the months before her murder she had repeatedly contacted police alleging Appleton had caused criminal damage, harassed her, threatened to kill her and tried to rape her.

Appleton, from Adelphi Court, Salford, had a history of violence towards women and was known to prowl online dating websites including Facebook, in search of partners.

Ms Wood’s body was found at her home on St Simon Street, Salford, on February 6, 2009.

After a police manhunt Appleton, born Frederick George Squires, was found six days later, hanged in a derelict pub.

Yesterday Mr Brown, originally from Aberdeen, told Bolton Coroner’s Court: “My daughter did not get the protection that she needed when she needed it.”

The hearing continues.