A man has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a murder that took place more than 30 years ago. Robert Lloyd, 53, walked into a police station and confessed to his involvement in the killing of 26-year-old Michael McDermott in Moston, Manchester, in November 1994. McDermott was attacked by a group of masked men at his relative’s home in Ashville Terrace. The assailants broke into the house around 10:30 pm on 9 November and struck McDermott with baseball bats and knives, leaving him with multiple injuries, including stab wounds, as he lay on a sofa. After the attack, the group fled across the road to a ginnel—a narrow alleyway—before heading to Oakville Terrace, where they met a waiting vehicle that took them away from the scene. The case had been dormant for decades until last October, when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reopened the investigation following Lloyd’s confession. In March, Lloyd was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to murder. The case had been under reporting restrictions to allow the police to continue their inquiries, but those restrictions were lifted earlier this week after a court hearing. Detective Inspector Rachel Smith from GMP’s major investigation team said the death of Michael McDermott had left his family with unanswered questions for over 30 years. While the investigation into the attack continues, Smith expressed hope that the family now feels a sense of reassurance and peace following the sentencing. She added that the police are still working to identify the other individuals involved in the attack and urged anyone with information to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact GMP directly on 0161 856 4814, quoting log number 1118 of 29/10/2025, or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, people can use the GMP website’s major investigation portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/0601020302B18-PO1 to provide information.