Family Pay Tribute To Martlesham Heath Murder Victim

20 June 2014, 10:42

The family of a woman murdered in Martlesham Heath near Ipswich have described her as "a beautiful woman who always made sure others were happy".

39-year-old Jane Bartholomew was found dead at her home in Lark Rise last Friday evening.

A member of the public living in the road said there were concerns for a person living nearby whose family couldn't get a response from the house.

A post mortem examination confirmed that Jane died as a result of significant head injuries.

Her parents Ann and Irvin Bartholomew and brothers Mark and Sean Bartholomew have paid tribute to her. They said: "We are trying to come to terms with the loss of our daughter Jane who lost her life on Friday 13th of June. 

"She was loved by family, friends and children; everyone had a good word for her. We have been so humbled by the out-pouring of love by school friends in America, her friends, her relations, her neighbours, her work colleagues at Rockford where she had worked for 20 years.

"Jane's life centered on her three beautiful daughters, Jordan (her clone), Jade and Jorja, she loved them all so much. We are devastated but we will always keep her in our thoughts and prayers, the bright shining beacon that was Jane." 

Her daughters Jordan, Jade and Jorja also paid tribute to their mum: "My mom was an extraordinary woman who always tried to put her children above herself. She would always eat last, making sure we were well fed along with all the animals. 

"She was truly a beautiful woman who always tried to make others smile. She was always fun to be around and made sure others were happy.

"I guess I'll miss the fact that everything had to be colour co-ordinated…and that most of the time she would walk out of the house looking like, as I used to call her, a highlighter. She very much enjoyed wearing bright colours."

42-year-old Scott Ellis from Tunstall Green in Tunstall was charged with her murder on Saturday night and appeared in Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He's due to appear in court again on Friday 5 September.