A “money-obsessed” husband who killed his “caring” wife to gain control of the family’s £ 1 million fortune was jailed today.
Raymond Hoadley, 62, slashed Jackie Hoadley, 58, seven times in the face and neck in a gruesome bloodbath in Eastbourne, East Sussex last July.
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Hoadley, who moved out of the £ 300,000 family home in April, denies murderPhoto credit: Eddie Mitchell
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Ms. Hoadley’s sister said her death “changed our lives in the most brutal way.”Photo credit: PA: Press Association
The calloused killer was jailed for life at Lewes Crown Court today after being convicted of the brutal murder of his wife last month.
Ms. Hoadley, a respected disability rights activist who worked to improve the lives of children and families dealing with complex issues, was found dead in the bedroom of her family home.
The carotid artery and carotid artery have been severed, the jury said.
His trial heard that the couple had a fortune of £ 1.3 million in savings and investments and that Hoadley – described as “thrifty” and “money obsessed” – had told friends they were getting a divorce.
‘LOST HIS MASTERY’
The court was told he had made a handwritten agreement on how they would share their money and property after they “lost control” with his 25-year-old wife.
The couple’s net worth came to nearly £ 1 million, as did the house, the court heard.
Prosecutor Caroline Carberry QC told the court that Hoadley had “had murder on his mind for some time” and was “fixated on money”.
She added, “He expressed the view to a number of people that Jackie had everything and he had nothing.”
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Raymond Hoadley was jailed for life today after murdering his wifePhoto credit: PA: Press Association
Judge Jeremy Gold QC sentenced Hoadley to life with a minimum sentence of 26 years and described the murder as “brutal and deliberate”.
Judge Gold said: “Before the jury there was clear evidence of your obsession with money.
“Just days before you killed Jackie, you persuaded her to sign a document that would ensure that if she died, you would receive significant financial benefits.
“Jacqueline Hoadley was a very special person. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of disabled children in general.
Before the jury there was clear evidence of your obsession with money
Judge Jeremy Gold
“Society has lost a really good person who is not forgotten by those who loved it or who benefited directly or indirectly from their campaign on their behalf.”
Mrs. Hoadley’s heartbreaking sister Sarah Jones blew up the killer’s “lack of remorse” by saying she called Hoadley her favorite brother-in-law.
In a statement read in court, she said: “July 5th, 2020, changed our lives in the most brutal and terrible ways.
“I don’t know if I can ever trust anyone in life again. “”
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
You don’t have to suffer in silence.
If you are exposed to domestic violence or someone you know, there are groups out there that can help.
Refuge operates a free 24-hour hotline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also visit the website or contact Women’s Aid.
George Carter-Stephenson QC, who defended himself, said it was “obvious” that Hoadley was “experiencing a breakdown” and was struggling with mental health.
Ms. Carberry QC had told Lewes Crown Court during the trial: “Raymond Hoadley told friends he was frustrated with his wife and wanted to get a divorce and get her finances straight.”
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She added, “This document, drawn up very shortly before his wife’s death, shows his very real interest in the couple’s essential financial affairs.
“Maybe money has something to do with the motivation behind this murder.”
There was evidence that Ms. Hoadley tried to fight him off when she was strangled and beaten.
