Fury in court as killer threatens family of victim after guilty verdict
A cage fighter known as “The Hitman” has been found guilty of brutally murdering his girlfriend in a frenzied knife attack that left her with 27 injuries. Michael Ormandy, 34, was convicted of killing 32-year-old Rebekah Campbell in her Huyton flat, sparking emotional outbursts in court and chilling threats from the killer himself.
Victim’s final words heard down phone line
Rebekah, described by loved ones as bubbly and full of life, had been on the phone to a friend when the horror unfolded. Jurors at Liverpool Crown Court were told she screamed “get out, go away Mick” before the line went dead. Moments later, she staggered from her flat at Knowsley Heights, bleeding heavily from stab wounds to her neck, chest and arms. As paramedics rushed to save her, she asked: “Am I gonna die?”
Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.
Chilling aftermath and dramatic arrest
Following the attack, Ormandy fled the scene and made a chilling 999 call claiming he was wearing a “suicide vest” and would “blow everyone up.” He was later arrested along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, clad in body armour. Even then, he continued to deny responsibility, telling officers that Rebekah “must have stabbed herself.”
But the evidence told a different story. The court heard that Ormandy, who has a tattoo on his neck reading “The Hitman”, habitually carried knives. Judge Andrew Menary KC told the court that while it wasn’t clear if he arrived at the flat already armed, he either brought a knife or grabbed one quickly upon arrival. He concluded that Rebekah never had a weapon.
Outburst in court as verdict delivered
After just over two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. Cheers erupted from Rebekah’s family and friends in the public gallery—relief and justice after months of torment.
Ormandy, by contrast, smirked, began clapping in the dock and shouted: “Come on, cloud nine. I know where yous all live.” The judge immediately warned him to remain silent or be removed. Ormandy replied: “I’ll go out. It doesn’t bother me.” He then walked to the cells, still clapping, as Rebekah’s family called after him: “Bye bye.”
Habitual knife-carrier and a history of violence
The former cage fighter’s own evidence revealed a man comfortable with violence. His admission to routinely carrying knives was described as a “very substantial aggravating feature” of the case by the judge.
Ormandy is due to be sentenced for murder. The court heard the attack on Rebekah was not only savage but cowardly—leaving her terrified, injured, and dying alone outside her home.
Rebekah’s family now await justice to be fully served, hoping a life sentence will reflect the devastating impact of Ormandy’s actions.
