Clacton: Man admits murdering wife after violent attack at their home

A man has admitted murdering his wife after subjecting her to a violent attack in their home in Clacton.

John Berry called 999 after carrying out the attack on his wife Edna in Turpins Close shortly before 1pm on Tuesday 21 February.

We arrived alongside ambulance service colleagues and found a woman aged in her 80s had sustained a serious head injury.

She was taken to hospital for treatment but, very sadly, later died.

Berry, now 85, of Turpins Close, Clacton, was subsequently charged with murder.

He initially denied the charge and was due to stand trial at Chelmsford Crown Court at today, Wednesday 8 November, but instead entered a guilty plea at a late stage.

As a result of a thorough investigation Berry admitted to killing his wife.

He will be sentenced at the same court on 5 January.

'This is a tragic case'

Detective Chief Inspector Ant Alcock, who has led our investigation from the outset, said:

“I want to take this opportunity to offer my sincere sympathy to all those affected in this case – it is simply a tragedy.
“Edna’s family have been understandably deeply affected by this incident and have handled themselves with humbling dignity throughout this investigation. My thoughts, first and foremost, remain with them today.
“This is a tragic case and Berry’s conviction today does not change that.”

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