Farmer jailed for life for murdering estranged wife

FARMER JAILED FOR LIFE FOR MURDERING ESTRANGED WIFE

Andrew Hooper, a 46-year-old farmer, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Cheryl Hooper, outside their residence in Newport, Shropshire, in January 2018.

The court was informed that Hooper used a shotgun to shoot Cheryl after he tracked her down to a pub where she was socializing with friends and her alleged lover.

After firing the weapon, he turned it on himself, causing serious facial injuries that have rendered him unable to speak.

The jury convicted Hooper of her murder, and Birmingham Crown Court sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 31 years.

Judge Mark Wall QC described the killing as a 'planned execution' and noted that Hooper displayed no remorse or regret following his flight from the scene.

The court also highlighted Hooper’s criminal history, including a suspended sentence in 2004 for breaking into his first wife’s home and making threats.

Witnesses included Mrs.

Hooper's 14-year-old daughter Georgia, who witnessed the shooting and described her mother as 'full of kindness,' expressing her sadness at her loss.

Her parents, Tony and Rita, praised her as a wonderful daughter, mother, sister, and friend.

The case brought attention to Hooper’s controlling and jealous tendencies.

Police records showed that Mrs.

Hooper had previously reported concerns regarding her estranged husband's behavior, which had been referred to West Mercia Police for safeguarding.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) reviewed police interaction before her death, concluding that police conduct adhered to established policies, though it recommended better inter-agency communication.