David Whitelegg, a former British army major who also served in the Australian military, has been jailed for at least 14 years for the murder of his wife, Anne Whitelegg. The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to strangling her at their home in Wallan, Victoria, in September 2014.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard that Whitelegg lost his temper during an argument while his wife, 59, was intoxicated and planning to leave him. Justice Jane Dixon stated that he attacked her when her ability to escape was compromised by alcohol. Authorities believe the injuries on her neck are more consistent with a belt than hands, though Whitelegg claimed he used his bare hands.
Before the murder, Whitelegg had become increasingly delusional, believing the Australian Defence Force and ASIO were stalking him. After killing his wife, he organised his affairs, gave away his cat, and wrote to his mother in England admitting responsibility and apologising for staining the family name. He also called a funeral home saying his wife had died unexpectedly, and initially told police she had fallen ill.
Whitelegg was sentenced to 18 years in prison with a non-parole period of 14 years. He served in the British Army's Royal Logistics Corps before transferring to the Australian army.
