A coroner has described a case of domestic violence that ended in a double tragedy, after a husband shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself.
A Fatal Act of Jealousy
Robert Jobson, 84, fatally shot his 69-year-old wife Rosemary outside their home in Thornton Curtis, North Lincolnshire, on 14 July 2023. The couple, who ran a shooting school and had represented England in the sport, were both found dead at the property.
An inquest at Cleethorpes Town Hall heard that Jobson was acting on a belief that his wife was having an affair with a mutual friend, Peter Hrynyk. Rosemary had been staying with Hrynyk but returned to the marital home to collect clothes when she was attacked.
A History of Violence and Missed Warnings
The court heard that Rosemary had reported Jobson to police for assault on 20 June 2023, stating she was seeking a divorce and was concerned about guns in the house. Firearms were subsequently removed from the property three days later.
Humberside Police arrested Robert Jobson on 8 July but released him on conditional bail the next day, with orders not to contact his wife. He had undergone a psychiatric assessment following his arrest, as he was known to be struggling with his mental health.
Despite these interventions, six days after his release, Jobson ambushed his wife. A post-mortem examination confirmed Rosemary died from gunshot wounds to her head and neck. Jobson was later found in a shed at the side of the house, having died from a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to his neck.
Coroner's Verdict and Family's Anguish
Coroner Jayne Wilkes recorded a conclusion of unlawful killing for Rosemary Jobson and suicide for Robert Jobson. She stated the case was "of a particularly shocking nature" and that, on the balance of probabilities, Rosemary's death was a deliberate and premeditated act by her husband.
In a heartfelt statement, Rosemary's daughter from a previous marriage, Paula O'Donnell, revealed she had urged her mother to leave. "It has left a massive hole in my heart forever. I miss her so much," she said. "She was the most thoughtful person I know, always helping others, no matter what."
Friend Peter Hrynyk told the inquest that his relationship with Rosemary was purely platonic, contradicting the husband's jealous suspicions.
