David Barraclough, 45, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years for the murder of his wife, 37-year-old Carolann Barraclough, whose body was found in a freezer at their West Yorkshire home.
Barraclough pleaded guilty to murder on Tuesday, the day he was due to stand trial at Leeds Crown Court. Police discovered the mother-of-three's body at the couple's home in Wakefield on March 5 following a concern for safety report. The court heard that Ms Barraclough was killed on February 20. Barraclough had previously denied murdering his wife.
Brutal attack with a hammer
Prosecutor Andrew Haslam KC told the court there was a "background of domestic violence" in the case. His Honour Judge Stubbs KC said that "on the morning of 20th February, [Barraclough] subjected his wife to a brutal attack while she lay in bed with a hammer", with their children unaware of what was happening.
Judge Stubbs said: "The defendant killed her using a claw hammer ... She could have survived for only a short time while under attack. He then expressed a callous disregard for his wife, her children, his children and her friends."
Cover story and planning
The judge said Barraclough set up a cover story of Ms Barraclough's illness before her death. "There would be no need for a cover story unless his intention was to kill," he said. "I am sure there was a significant degree of planning."
Barraclough, of Ken Churchill Drive, Horbury, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 22 years.
Family suffers further loss
Ms Barraclough's family have also recently suffered another devastating loss - her father, Dave Rowley, who died of a heart attack on September 17. A family friend has set up an online fundraiser to help cover Mr Rowley's funeral costs.
The fundraiser reads: "With the heaviest of hearts, we are asking for your help during an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. This family has been through more heartbreak than anyone should ever have to face. Earlier this year, they tragically lost their beloved daughter, sister and mum, Carolann, who was brutally taken from them. Her family are still trying to come to terms with that loss. Sadly, they have now been faced with another devastating loss. Carolann’s dad, a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He had been seen at hospital earlier that day and was sent home, but within hours his family had to rush him back to hospital, where he sadly passed away."
