Gavin Shaw is in prison serving a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his former partner, Michelle Kennedy, in Warrington in October 2025. He was jailed for life at Liverpool Crown Court on 2 April 2026 and must serve a minimum of 14 years and 196 days before he can be considered for parole.
Who Is Gavin Shaw?
Gavin Shaw is a 61-year-old tradesman from the Warrington area of Cheshire. He had been in a relationship with 55-year-old Michelle Kennedy, and the pair had separated prior to the fatal attack in October 2025. Shaw had no significant criminal history before this offence.
Michelle Kennedy was described by those who knew her as a warm and vibrant woman. Following the breakdown of her relationship with Shaw, she had begun moving on with her life, including a holiday to Turkey where she met a new partner. It was this new romance that would prove fatal.
What Did Gavin Shaw Do?
On 13 October 2025, Gavin Shaw travelled to Michelle Kennedy’s home on Manchester Road in Warrington. Footage from a Ring doorbell camera captured him approaching the property and pausing outside before entering. Once inside, he spent approximately three minutes in the property before carrying out a devastating knife attack, stabbing Michelle twice in the chest with a kitchen knife.
Michelle Kennedy survived the initial attack but suffered severe injuries. Tragically, she died five days later in hospital on 18 October 2025. Shaw was arrested shortly after the attack and charged with her murder.
Prosecutors described the motive as jealousy. Shaw was unable to accept that his former partner had begun a new relationship after their separation. The Crown Prosecution Service described his actions as a deliberate and premeditated attack driven by his inability to allow Michelle Kennedy to move on with her life.
The Investigation
Cheshire Constabulary led the investigation into Michelle Kennedy’s death. The case was supported by compelling digital evidence, including the Ring doorbell footage that placed Shaw at the scene. Forensic evidence and witness accounts also contributed to building the case against him.
Shaw was charged with murder and appeared before Liverpool Crown Court. Rather than contest the charges at trial, he entered a guilty plea on 23 March 2026, sparing the Kennedy family from having to relive the events of that night during a lengthy trial.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the case was handled by the Mersey Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service team and welcomed the guilty plea as an acknowledgement of the devastating harm Shaw had caused.
The Sentencing
Gavin Shaw was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 2 April 2026. The judge handed down a mandatory life sentence, as is required for all murder convictions in England and Wales. A minimum term of 14 years and 196 days was set before Shaw can be considered for release on parole. This means he cannot apply for parole until he has served that minimum period, and even then, release is not guaranteed — the Parole Board would need to be satisfied that he no longer poses a risk to the public.
The case attracted significant media coverage, with the doorbell camera footage being widely reported as key evidence. Michelle Kennedy’s family made statements following the sentencing, expressing the devastating impact of her loss on all those who knew and loved her.
If you want to understand how the parole process works in the UK, the Parole Board UK guide on this site explains how prisoners are assessed for release and what factors are considered.
What Prison Is Gavin Shaw In?
Following his conviction, Gavin Shaw would typically be allocated to a Category B or Category A prison depending on risk assessments carried out by HM Prison and Probation Service. The allocation process considers factors including the nature of the offence, the risk an individual poses, and their personal circumstances.
As a life sentence prisoner, Shaw will be managed under specific protocols throughout his incarceration. He will be required to engage with offending behaviour programmes and demonstrate sustained progress before the Parole Board would ever consider recommending his release.
Prisoners serving life sentences in England and Wales have the right to receive visits from family members. If you need guidance on booking a prison visit or sending money to a prisoner, this site provides detailed advice on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gavin Shaw in prison?
Gavin Shaw is in prison because he was convicted of murdering his former partner Michelle Kennedy in Warrington on 13 October 2025. He stabbed her twice with a kitchen knife at her home and she died five days later. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment on 2 April 2026.
How long is Gavin Shaw’s prison sentence?
Gavin Shaw received a mandatory life sentence for murder. The court set a minimum term of 14 years and 196 days before he is eligible to apply for parole. This does not mean he will automatically be released at that point — the Parole Board must first decide he does not pose a risk to the public.
What prison is Gavin Shaw in?
The specific prison where Gavin Shaw is held has not been publicly confirmed. Life sentence prisoners in England and Wales are allocated to appropriate prisons based on risk assessments and other factors. His location is managed by HM Prison and Probation Service.
Who was Michelle Kennedy?
Michelle Kennedy was a 55-year-old woman from Warrington, Cheshire. She was Gavin Shaw’s former partner. Following their separation, she had begun moving on with her life, which triggered the jealous attack that led to her death in October 2025. She is remembered by her family as a warm and much-loved person.
Was there a trial for Gavin Shaw?
Gavin Shaw did not face a full jury trial. He entered a guilty plea at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 March 2026, which meant the case did not proceed to a contested trial. He was subsequently sentenced on 2 April 2026 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years and 196 days.
