A romantic escape to the seaside turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when a newlywed husband brutally stabbed his wife to death in a Bournemouth hotel room, a court has heard.
Honeymoon Turned Nightmare
Andrew James Hooper, 44, had booked what should have been a idyllic stay at the Trouville Hotel in Bournemouth with his wife Kelly. Instead, the trip ended in bloodshed and tragedy that has left both families and the local community reeling.
Prosecutor Nicola Devas revealed the chilling details to Winchester Crown Court, describing how Hooper repeatedly stabbed his wife during the fatal incident on October 13 last year.
A Life Cut Short
Emergency services rushed to the coastal hotel after receiving distressed calls, but despite their best efforts, Kelly Hooper was pronounced dead at the scene. The violent attack cut short the life of a woman described by neighbours as "lovely" and "always smiling."
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed the community's shock: "You never think something like this would happen on your doorstep. They seemed like a normal couple."
Courtroom Confession
Hooper appeared before the court via video link from HMP Bullingdon, where he spoke only to confirm his name and enter a guilty plea to the murder charge. The 44-year-old showed little emotion as the prosecution outlined the brutal facts of the case.
Mr Justice Garnham addressed the defendant directly, stating: "You have pleaded guilty to murder, and for that crime there is only one sentence, and that is a sentence of life imprisonment."
Justice to Be Served
The case has been adjourned for sentencing on July 26, when the judge will determine the minimum term Hooper must serve before being considered for parole. The court will hear mitigation from the defence and further details about the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third of Dorset Police confirmed that specially trained officers continue to support Kelly's grieving family as they attempt to come to terms with their devastating loss.
This tragic case serves as another grim reminder of the hidden dangers of domestic violence that can lurk behind closed doors, even in the most picturesque of settings.
