Man jailed for murdering girlfriend's mother

A man who murdered his girlfriend's mother in a "brutal" knife attack and attempted to kill his girlfriend has been jailed for life.

Damian Homer, 51, carried out the attack on Wendy Francis and his partner Stacey Hill at the couple's home on Haresfield Close in Worcester at about 20:30 GMT on 2 March.

Detectives described it as "a horrific and brutal attack" which caused lifelong trauma for those involved.

Homer, of Haresfield Close in Worcester, previously admitted murder and attempted murder at Worcester Crown Court where he was sentenced on Thursday and told he must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Mrs Francis, 61, had gone to the house after being alerted by her daughter, who had seen Homer arming himself with a knife.

Mrs Francis arrived at the property at about 20:20, the court heard, and saw her daughter screaming and being attacked in the kitchen.

Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC told the court: "Wendy Francis said 'get off my daughter' and she placed her hands on the defendant's shoulders."

Homer, who appeared to be "possessed" after an argument, beat both women repeatedly and then stabbed Mrs Francis, the court was told.

The former dairy manager, DJ and care worker sat with his head bowed throughout the hearing and frequently sobbed in the dock as family members described the killing as "evil" in victim impact statements read to Judge Rupert Mayo.

Reading her victim impact statement to the court, Ms Hill said she would “never, ever be the same”, adding that she loved her mother "beyond words".

Ms Francis' husband Paul said the couple were considering buying a house abroad after his wife's recovery from cancer.

The judge told Homer he had committed a "most selfish and cruel act".

The court heard his girlfriend had threatened to break up with him and he had accused her of infidelity.

In a statement issued through West Mercia Police after Homer was jailed, the family said Ms Francis was "one in a million with a heart of gold" who "put a smile on everyone’s face".

"She would do anything for anyone," they said.

"She welcomed Damian Homer into the family with open arms, showing nothing but love, support and loyalty towards him, which makes all of this so much harder to comprehend.

"We will never come to terms with why this happened on the 2 March, but what we do know is she will be loved and missed forever."

Defending, Tim Hannam KC told the court Homer was “ashamed, disgusted and appalled” at his actions.

Retired Det Ch Insp Leighton Harding, who led the investigation, said the family had shown incredible courage during the court proceedings despite being "utterly heartbroken".

He also praised Ms Hill's "inspiring" bravery and her evidence which helped secure a conviction against Homer.

“Nothing can bring Wendy back or ease the pain that her murder has caused her family, but I hope that today’s sentence, and the knowledge that Homer will now face the consequences of his brutal actions by spending a significant number of years in prison, allows them some closure going forwards.”

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