Estranged Husband Jailed for Brutal Murder of Wife in Eastbourne
Raymond Hoadley, 62, from Willowfield Road, Eastbourne, was found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Jacqueline after a three-week trial at Hove Crown Court on 22 January.
Sentenced to 25 Years for Knife Attack
On 22 February, Hoadley appeared at Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years behind bars. Judge Jeremy Gold QC confirmed the motive was financial gain and revealed that Hoadley used a knife in the savage killing.
“This was a cold, calculated crime,” Judge Gold said, also praising the police for their thorough investigation.
Gruesome Murder in Family Home
Jacqueline, 58, was found dead at her Eastbourne home on 5 July 2020. She shared the house with her two children. A visitor to the property raised the alarm after discovering the tragic scene.
Emergency services arrived to find Jacqueline with multiple injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police swiftly arrested Hoadley just an hour later. Within days, he was officially charged with murder following a fast-moving investigation.
Cold-Blooded Killer Caught by Forensics
Detectives revealed Hoadley sneaked into Jacqueline’s home on the evening of 4 July by climbing over a fence before launching the deadly attack.
The jury took just over two hours to convict him of murder.
“Hoadley thought he could hide his guilt behind a mix of lies and truth,” said Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme. “But our detailed investigation, including CCTV and forensic evidence, exposed him as the killer.”
Hoadley did not testify in court. Despite a fierce defence, the jury saw through his story.
Remembering Jacqueline: A Devoted Mother and Advocate
Detectives paid tribute to Jacqueline’s dedication to disabled children and her love for her family.
“Jacqueline’s family showed incredible strength and supported us throughout,” said DCI Wolstenholme. “We are proud to have brought her killer to justice and hope her memory lives on through her devoted children.”
