Gary Allen
Murder *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with minimum term of 37 years
Gary Allen, aged 47, was convicted of murdering Samantha Class, a 29-year-old single mother-of-three and sex worker, on October 25, 1997, in Hull. He picked her up in his car at midnight, had sex with her, attacked her with savage violence causing 33 external injuries, multiple rib fractures, and internal injuries, strangled her with a ligature, drove over her body after her heart stopped, and dumped her in the River Humber where she was found the next day partially submerged. He was acquitted in 2000 but later convicted based on new evidence. In 2018, in Rotherham, he murdered Alena Grlakova, a 38-year-old married mother-of-four and sex worker who had separated from her family and was struggling with addiction. She visited his flat uninvited on December 26, 2018; he threatened her with violence, later strangled her causing a neck injury, and dumped her naked body partially buried in a watercourse, where it was found three months later. Images of dead women, some sex workers being strangled, were found on his phone, confirming his mindset.
Described as 'extremely dangerous' by Mr Justice Goose, who doubted it will ever be safe to release him. Judge commented on his warped view of women, particularly sex workers, and that he fantasises and plans serious violence against them. No remorse shown.