A 79-year-old man from Aldwick has been jailed for 15 years after murdering his wife at their home.
Michael Pyke, of Langley Grove, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Friday, 13 November, following the death of his 84-year-old wife, Beryl Pyke.
Emergency services were called to the couple's home on 31 May after concerns were raised for Beryl's welfare.
Police had received a report that Michael Pyke had openly admitted to stabbing and killing his wife.
When officers entered the property, they discovered Beryl dead with significant injuries to her head and chest. A subsequent examination revealed she had suffered 11 puncture wounds.
Michael Pyke was immediately arrested, and officers carried out a search of the property.
During the investigation, police discovered bloodstained clothing in a laundry basket, along with the knife used in the attack, which had been concealed inside Pyke's bedside cabinet.
While in police custody, Pyke made several disturbing comments about his wife's death, including "dead forever, thank f****** god for that" and "was it worth it?"
Despite remaining silent during his police interview, detectives gathered sufficient evidence to charge him with murder on 2 June. He was subsequently remanded in custody.
Pyke appeared at Brighton Crown Court on 19 October, where he pleaded guilty to murdering his wife.
He was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at Hove Crown Court on Friday, 13 November, where he was jailed for 15 years.
Case officer, Detective Sergeant Elliott Lander from the Major Crime Team, said: "In May this year, Michael Pyke cruelly took Beryl's life in the bedroom of the home they shared.
"While in police custody, he made a number of comments which indicated his responsibility for what had happened, showing no remorse and a nonchalant attitude towards the devastating consequences of his actions.
"When interviewed, Michael Pyke chose to remain silent, denying officers and Beryl's family the answers they deserved.
"Nothing can undo the devastation caused by Beryl's death, but now sentencing has taken place, we hope her family, friends and all those who knew and loved her can take some comfort in knowing the man responsible will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
"We would like to thank witnesses and everyone who supported our enquiries as this case now draws to a conclusion."
Pictured: Beryl Pyke
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, help is out there, and you will be listened to. Information on how to make a report and contact vital services can be found though this link. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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