Peterborough: Husband Jailed For Killing Wife

11 October 2013, 16:22 | Updated: 12 October 2013, 06:21

A man from Peterborough has been jailed for life, for murdering his wife at their home.

60 year old Michael Carroll was today sentenced after being found guilty at a trial last month.

He will serve a minimum of 11 years in prison.

He attacked his wife Elisabeth at their home in Fletton, Peterborough, in May last year.

He was called by his work on the morning of May 24, after failing to turn up, and he confessed that he had strangled her.

They called police and officers went to his home address where they discovered Elisabeth's body.

Carroll was arrested and charged with murder.

He denied the charge, pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

However, he was convicted of murder by a majority verdict following a re-trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

A jury at the original trial earlier this year had failed to reach a verdict.

Detective Inspector Richard Wall said: "This is a tragic case which has divided a family and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

Michael Carroll was under a lot of stress due to financial difficulties at the time, however nothing can excuse his actions in killing his loving wife, Elisabeth.

She had overcome cancer and should have been looking forward to enjoying her retirement.

This has been an extremely difficult time for Elisabeth's friends and family and I hope today will give them some closure."

The family of Elisabeth Carroll has released the following statement:

"This has been a very difficult time for all the family as we to try and come to terms with what has happened.

The trial is over and the jury has reached its verdict. We would now like to leave Elisabeth to rest in peace and for our family to be left to grieve.

We would like to thank all those involved in the case and the support that has been given to our family.

Elisabeth was a much-loved sister and aunt who will be greatly missed by all of her family."