Husband who strangled his wife with dressing gown cord & then took cocaine down the pub is jailed for life
A HUSBAND who strangled his wife with a dressing gown cord then went to a pub to drink and take cocaine has been jailed for life.
Ian Hamer was convicted of murdering his wife of 27 years, Joanne at their home in North Lincolnshire, in May last year.
Hamer, 54, admitted manslaughter but denied murder, saying his mental state at the time was such that he did not understand what he was doing.
He was convicted following a three-week trial at Hull Crown Court and jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years, Humberside Police said.
The jury heard the couple’s marriage had deteriorated due to his behaviour.
Jason Pitter QC, prosecuting, told jurors earlier in the trial: “He was somebody who was controlling and manipulative.
“He was also, as part of that, very jealous and possessive.”
Hamer controlled what his 48-year-old wife wore, checked up on her, monitored her interactions on social media, and accused her of having affairs.
‘HEAVY-HANDED’
The court heard he was also physically aggressive towards her, and “heavy-handed” with their three children.
Police had been called to their home on a number of occasions, the jury was told.
Hamer had developed a problem with alcohol over the years and had conducted at least one affair, the court heard.
Mrs Harmer had either moved out or been thrown out of the marital home in the weeks leading up to her death, it was said, and was considering buying another home.
‘ONE LAST CHANCE’
Mr Pitter said Joanne wanted to give him “one last chance” – but he had been communicating with another woman two days before his wife’s death.
He was arrested the day after his wife’s death and was treated for an injury to his wrist.
After he strangled her to death, Hamer went to the pub and played pool, laughing and joking with friends, and also taking cocaine.
Outside court, Detective Chief Inspector Christine Calvert said: “Joanne was a kind, loving mother and wife who endured years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of her abusive husband.
“Hamer is a violent man who has shown no remorse for taking the life of the woman he was supposed to love and care for.
MORE UK NEWS
“He has made Joanne’s family endure the harrowing ordeal of a trial and have to go through hearing the pain and suffering she went through not just that night, but throughout their marriage as Hamer domestically abused her.
“Domestic abuse can take many forms, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse and can have devastating consequences.”
A Domestic Homicide Review could be ordered now the criminal case has finished.