Kimberley Thompson's final hours were marked by terror as her estranged husband, Michael Thompson, raped and suffocated her before staging the scene to mimic suicide. On Tuesday, Thompson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years in his absence, after refusing to enter the courtroom. Judge Nirmal Shant KC described his actions as 'the ultimate act of cowardice and contempt'.
The Night of the Murder
The couple, married for 19 years and parents of two, had been separated for two years but still lived together during divorce proceedings. Thompson, a former amateur boxer, was aware his wife had started a new relationship and planned to move out, with a requested divorce settlement of around £65,000. On the night of August 9, 2025, between midnight and 3:30 AM, Thompson raped and suffocated Kimberley, 43, after spending hours watching sexual videos and 'stewing' over her new relationship.
To cover the rape, Thompson sent a text from Kimberley's phone to his own, suggesting she wanted sex. He then staged the scene: he moved empty gin and vodka bottles and co-codamol packets into her downstairs bedroom, placed a photo of the couple and a picture of Kimberley's sister (who had died by suicide) on the bed, and changed Kimberley's Facebook relationship status to 'got married' and posted a misspelled status about drinking. Kimberley's family noted the incorrect spelling of 'too' as something she would never do.
Evidence Contradicts Suicide Narrative
A post-mortem examination found no alcohol and only low levels of caffeine, paracetamol, and codeine—ingredients in co-codamol. The pathologist concluded she died from external airway obstruction, i.e., smothering. At 5:30 AM, Thompson called 999, claiming he couldn't wake his wife and found her with tablets and vodka. During the call, he performed CPR and was heard retching, but paramedics and police quickly suspected foul play.
History of Abuse and Previous Partner's Death
Kimberley's family and friends expressed disbelief at suicide, noting her future plans and Thompson's long history of domestic abuse. Jurors were not initially told about the death of Thompson's previous partner, Rhonda Anderson, who was found dead in her bath on July 8, 2000. An inquest ruled her death accidental electrocution. In 2025, Thompson was arrested on suspicion of murder, but insufficient evidence prevented further action. After Thompson's guilty verdict, these details became reportable.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Judge Shant stated Thompson showed no remorse, shaking his head and making noises during the trial. She ordered that victim impact statements and her sentencing remarks be sent to him in prison. Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit said, 'Not only did Thompson brutally rape and murder Kim, he took the time to stage her death... I have no doubt these actions caused further upset to Kim’s loved ones.' Thompson was sentenced to life with a minimum of 33 years.
