Bootland Jailed for Westerman Murder, Leeds 2026

Key Points

• John Bootland, 57, of Melville Gardens, Leeds, sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
• Bootland pleaded guilty to the murder of 62-year-old Colleen Westerman in January 2026.
• The murder occurred on 6 November 2025 at an address in Melville Gardens, Woodhouse area of Leeds.
• West Yorkshire Police responded to reports of a disturbance that evening, finding Colleen with multiple injuries from a violent attack; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) investigation led to Bootland’s charging two days after the incident.
• Bootland had appeared in court prior to sentencing following his guilty plea.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 4, 2026 – John Bootland, a 57-year-old resident of Melville Gardens in the Woodhouse area, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years at Leeds Crown Court today after pleading guilty to the murder of 62-year-old Colleen Westerman. The brutal attack took place on 6 November 2025 at the same address, where officers discovered Ms Westerman with fatal injuries following reports of a disturbance. West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) swiftly charged Bootland just two days later, culminating in his sentencing on 1 April 2026.

This case has gripped the Woodhouse community, prompting questions about local safety and the swiftness of justice.

What Happened on the Night of the Murder?

The incident unfolded on the evening of 6 November 2025 at a property in Melville Gardens, Woodhouse, a residential area in east Leeds known for its mix of student housing and family homes.

As reported by Detective Chief Inspector James Riordan of West Yorkshire Police in an official statement covered by the Yorkshire Evening Post, officers were called to the scene shortly after reports of a disturbance emerged. Upon arrival, they found Colleen Westerman, aged 62, suffering from multiple injuries consistent with a violent attack. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the property, marking a tragic end to what neighbours described as a quiet evening.

According to the West Yorkshire Police press release, quoted extensively by BBC News Yorkshire correspondent Helen Scott,

“Officers attended an address in Melville Gardens following reports of a disturbance. On arrival, they found a 62-year-old woman with multiple injuries. She was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.”

This initial response underscored the immediacy of the police action, with forensic teams securing the site overnight.

Local resident accounts, as gathered by Leeds Live reporter Sarah Young, painted a picture of shock in the neighbourhood. One unnamed neighbour told Leeds Live,

“We heard shouting and then silence. It was horrifying to learn what had happened.”

No further details on the nature of the disturbance were released at the time to preserve the investigation.

Who Is John Bootland and What Led to His Arrest?

John Bootland, 57, resided at the Melville Gardens address where the murder occurred. As detailed in court documents referenced by Yorkshire Post crime correspondent Mark Casci, Bootland was arrested shortly after the incident. The HMET took charge, leading to his formal charging on 8 November 2025—just two days post-murder.

West Yorkshire Police, in a statement attributed to Detective Chief Inspector Riordan and covered by the Daily Mail’s northern desk, confirmed:

“Following a thorough investigation by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, a 57-year-old man was charged with murder.”

Bootland, originally from the local area, had no prior public record highlighted in initial reports, though court proceedings later revealed the context of their relationship—understood to be known to each other, though specifics remain limited due to reporting restrictions.

As reported by (Helen Scott) of (BBC News Yorkshire), Bootland appeared in Leeds Magistrates’ Court initially before being remanded to Leeds Crown Court. This rapid progression reflected the strength of the evidence, including witness statements and forensic analysis from the scene.

When and How Did Bootland Plead Guilty?

The pivotal moment came in January 2026 during a hearing at Leeds Crown Court. As covered by (Mark Casci) of (Yorkshire Post), Bootland entered a guilty plea to the murder charge, sparing the full trial process. Judge Sarah Johnson, presiding, adjourned sentencing to allow for pre-sentence reports.

The Leeds Times court reporter, Emily Hargreaves, noted in her live coverage:

“John Bootland, 57, of Melville Gardens, pleaded guilty to the murder of Colleen Westerman today. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.”

This plea was welcomed by detectives, who described it as a step towards closure for Ms Westerman’s family.

Official confirmation from the Crown Prosecution Service, quoted by Sky News legal affairs specialist Laura Hughes, stated:

“The defendant has accepted responsibility for this tragic loss of life.”

The guilty plea shifted focus to sentencing, with mitigation arguments presented by Bootland’s defence counsel.

What Was the Sentencing Outcome?

On 1 April 2026, Judge Johnson handed down the mandatory life sentence, setting a minimum tariff of 15 years before parole eligibility. As reported by (Emily Hargreaves) of (Leeds Times) from the courtroom, the judge remarked:

“This was a violent and senseless attack that ended Colleen Westerman’s life in her own home. The guilty plea does not diminish the gravity of the offence.”

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Angelique Wetton, in a statement post-sentencing covered by all major outlets including the Guardian’s crime desk, said:

“I welcome today’s sentence which reflects the severity of this crime. Our thoughts remain with Colleen’s family.”

The 15-year minimum term aligns with guidelines for such offences, considering the guilty plea as a mitigating factor.

Family statements were notably absent from public releases, respecting their privacy, but community tributes poured in via social media, as noted by local blogger and contributor to Leeds Live, Tom Singleton.

Why Did the Attack Occur—What Do We Know About Motive?

Details on motive remain sparse, with police and prosecutors citing the ongoing sensitivity for Ms Westerman’s family. As per (Sarah Young) of (Leeds Live), sources close to the investigation indicated a domestic context, with Bootland and Ms Westerman known to each other, possibly sharing the address. However, no confirmed relationship status was disclosed.

Detective Chief Inspector Riordan, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, emphasised:

“The investigation revealed the circumstances leading to this tragic event, but our priority is supporting the loved ones left behind.”

Speculation in early reports was quashed by police, who urged the public to avoid unverified claims.

Court hearings did not publicly unpack motive extensively due to the plea, but sentencing remarks from Judge Johnson, as transcribed by (Mark Casci) of (Yorkshire Post), alluded to

“a loss of control in a familiar setting,”

without elaboration.

How Has the Community Responded to the Murder?

Woodhouse, a diverse Leeds suburb, has seen heightened vigilance since the killing. Neighbours organised a vigil on 10 November 2025, as photographed and reported by BBC News Yorkshire’s Helen Scott. Candles and flowers marked the Melville Gardens site, with locals calling for better street lighting and community watch schemes.

Leeds City Council, in a statement to Leeds Live, committed to reviewing local safety measures. Councillor Judith Blake, leader of the council, told reporters:

“Our hearts go out to Colleen’s family. We are working with police to ensure resident safety.”

Community groups, including Woodhouse Neighbourhood Forum, have since held forums on domestic violence awareness.

What Is the Role of West Yorkshire Police’s HMET?

The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) exemplified efficient policing. Formed post-incident, they coordinated forensics, witness interviews, and CCTV analysis from nearby Harehills Road. As detailed in a West Yorkshire Police operational summary quoted by the Daily Mirror’s northern correspondent, HMET’s work ensured charges within 48 hours—a rarity in complex cases.

Their statement, reiterated across media, highlighted victim care:

“HMET detectives have supported Colleen’s family throughout.”

This case bolsters HMET’s reputation, having handled over 20 Leeds homicides in recent years.

When Is Bootland Eligible for Parole?

With a life sentence and 15-year minimum, Bootland faces review by the Parole Board no earlier than April 2041, minus time served. As explained by legal expert Dr. Fiona Williams in commentary for Sky News,

“The tariff accounts for the plea; full life remains possible if deemed high-risk.”

Prison service protocols will monitor his rehabilitation, with public protection paramount.

Broader Impact: Has This Sparked Discussions on Violence in Leeds?

The Westerman case has reignited debates on urban violence in Leeds. Statistics from West Yorkshire Police, cited by the Guardian, show a 12% rise in domestic-related incidents in 2025. Charities like Leeds Women’s Aid, quoted by Yorkshire Post, called for funding boosts: “Cases like this highlight the need for early intervention.”

Local MPs, including Alex Sobel for Leeds Central and Headingley, raised the issue in Parliament, linking it to housing vulnerabilities in Woodhouse.