'Money-obsessed' husband, 62, who stabbed his wife, 58, to death to 'gain control of £1m family fortune' is jailed
A "MONEY-OBSESSED" husband who killed his "caring" wife to gain control of the £1million family fortune has been jailed today.
Raymond Hoadley, 62, slashed Jackie Hoadley, 58, seven times in her face and neck in a gruesome bloodbath in Eastbourne, East Sussex, last July.
The callous killer was caged for life at Lewes Crown Court today after being convicted last month of his wife's brutal murder.
Mrs Hoadley, a respected disability rights campaigner who had worked to improve the lives of children and families dealing with complex issues, was found dead in the bedroom of their family home.
Her carotid artery and jugular vein had been severed, jurors were told.
His trial heard the couple had a fortune of £1.3million in savings and investments and Hoadley – described as "frugal" and "obsessed with money" – had told friends they were going to divorce.
'LOST HIS TEMPER'
The court was told he had drawn up a handwritten agreement on how they would split their cash and property after "losing his temper" with his wife of 25 years.
The couple's wealth amounted to almost £1million, as well as their home, 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 to a number of people the view that Jackie had everything and he had nothing."
Sentencing Hoadley to life with a minimum term of 26 years, Judge Jeremy Gold QC branded the murder "brutal and premeditated".
Judge Gold said: "There was clear evidence before the jury of your obsession with money.
"Just a few days before you killed Jackie, you persuaded her to sign a document which would ensure you would benefit financially to a very significant extent in the event of her death.
"Jacqueline Hoadley was a very special person.She dedicated her life to improving the lives of disabled children in general.
There was clear evidence before the jury of your obsession with money
"Society has lost a truly good person who will not be forgotten by those who loved her or those who benefited either directly or indirectly from her campaigning on their behalf."
Mrs Hoadley's heartbroken sister Sarah Jones blasted the killer's "lack of remorse" and said she used to joke Hoadley was her favourite brother-in-law.
In a statement read out in court, she said: “July 5, 2020, changed our lives in the most brutal and horrific way.
“I don’t know if I will ever be able to trust anyone in life ever again. "
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
You don't have to suffer in silence.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or someone you know is there are groups that can help.
Refuge runs a free, 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also visit the website or contact Women’s Aid.
George Carter-Stephenson QC, defending, said it was "obvious" Hoadley had "experienced some sort of breakdown" and had struggled 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 he wanted to divorce and sort out their finances."
She added: “That document drawn up a very short time before his wife's death, indicates his very real interest in the substantial financial affairs of the couple.
“You may find money had something to do with the motivation behind this killing."
Evidence showed Mrs Hoadley had tried to fight him off as she was strangled and beaten, the trial heard.
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