A man who killed his wife with a hammer and concealed her body in a chest freezer at their West Yorkshire home has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years and one month.
David Barraclough, 46, murdered Carolann Barraclough, a mother of three children, at their residence in Horbury near Wakefield during February. Leeds Crown Court was told that Barraclough spent approximately two weeks attempting to cover up the killing, informing family members and acquaintances that his wife was receiving hospital treatment and sending text messages from her phone while impersonating her.
How the case proceeded
Barraclough changed his plea to guilty on the opening day of his trial, acknowledging responsibility for the murder. He chose not to appear in court when the judge delivered his sentence.
Key facts
- David Barraclough murdered his wife Carolann Barraclough with a hammer in February at their Horbury home
- He concealed her body in a chest freezer for approximately two weeks
- Barraclough deceived relatives and friends by claiming his wife was hospitalised
- He impersonated his wife by sending messages from her phone
- He pleaded guilty on the first day of trial and received a life sentence with a minimum 22 years and one month
