‘Devoted’ grandfather, 57, was killed whereas attempting to cease his Land Rover Discovery being stolen – as ‘merciless’ robbers are jailed

A grandfather, 57, was killed as he tried to stop his car being stolen – as the robbers have been jailed.  

Marvin Sutton and Charlene Thomas had conspired to steal Christopher Hanley’s Land Rover Discovery in Beswick, East Manchester.

Mr Hanley, 57, was described by his loved ones as a ‘devoted family man who adored his grandchildren.’

On the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024, Chris was alerted to his car being stolen.

He tried to stop Sutton from getting away, leading Sutton to drive dangerously.

This caused Chris to be thrown from the bonnet of the car, causing him to suffer fatal head injuries.

Despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services, Chris  died at the scene. 

Sutton admitted manslaughter and theft and was jailed for ten years and six months.

Thomas pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to three years and six months.

Christopher Hanley, 57,  was described as a ‘proud grandad’ whose grandchildren ‘were his whole world’

Officers from the Greater Manchester Police major incident team began an investigation into Mr Hanley’s death, conducting CCTV trawls and speaking with residents and potential witnesses.

On Sunday, March 17, officers located the stolen Land Rover, which had been left abandoned.

Detectives found evidence that attempts had been made to torch the stolen car, believing this was orchestrated by Sutton to try and destroy any forensic evidence that could link him to the car .    

It is believed that Sutton then stayed at an address nearby, lying low in an attempt to evade police. 

However, on Sunday evening, Sutton was arrested on suspicion of murder, and despite answering no comment to all questions put to him by detectives, he was charged and remanded into custody.   

Today, Marvin Sutton, 35, of Anthony Close, Manchester, was jailed for ten years and six months. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and theft. 

Charlene Thomas, 37, of Moss Lane East, Manchester, pleaded guilty to robbery. 

For this, she was sentenced to three years and three months. 

Mariv Sutton, 35, and Charlene Thomas, 37, were both jailed for their roles in the robbery

She was also sentenced to 21 months for theft for an unrelated offence which occurred in 2022. Her sentences will run consecutively and she will be jailed for five years. 

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith from the Greater Manchester Police major incident team said: ‘The selfish and irresponsible actions of Sutton and Thomas that day meant a man tragically lost his life trying to defend his own property.

‘Today’s sentences reflect the calculated and cruel nature of their crime and whilst no sentence can bring Chris back, I hope this outcome is able to provide some small comfort to all those that knew and loved him.’  

Paying tribute to Chris, his family said: ‘Chris was a proud grandad, his grandchildren were his whole world, but he was robbed of the chance to watch them grow up and experience their own life milestones.

‘He was our rock, he was a supportive, caring, kind and loving man. He had a great sense of humour; he was always poking fun at others and himself.

‘His laugh, and passion for life, was infectious, and he enjoyed walking his dog, Lenny, and supporting his boyhood club, Manchester City.

‘He had the biggest heart; he would always go out of his way to help anyone.

‘To know him, and be loved by him, was a privilege.

‘His loss has left us with a huge hole in our lives, and he will never be forgotten.’