TELFORD MAN JAILED FOR SMOTHERING TERMINALLY ILL EX-WIFE IN COSTESSEY
Cornelius Van Der Ploeg, aged 64, received a six-year prison sentence after being convicted of murdering his terminally ill former wife, Cherith Van Der Ploeg.The incident took place on February 15, when Van Der Ploeg traveled from Telford in Shropshire to her home near Norwich.
He asked to spend some time alone with her, and about thirty minutes later, he confided in family members that he had smothered her.
Court reports indicated that Cherith was diagnosed with a terminal illness in January, and her health rapidly declined.
She chose to receive end-of-life care at her residence in Costessey, where her family visited her frequently on weekends.
Van Der Ploeg requested time alone with her again later, and at that point, he revealed to relatives that he had suffocated her.
Following his confession, a scuffle broke out among Van Der Ploeg and other family members.
Emergency services arrived on the scene, and during the response, Van Der Ploeg confessed once more to the killing.
An investigation by police followed, with Detective Inspector Lewis Craske stating that officers believed Van Der Ploeg's actions were probably not malicious, suggesting he thought he was acting in her and her family's best interests.
The court imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of six years before parole eligibility.
This case underscores the tragic nature of Cherith Van Der Ploeg’s death and the legal outcome that followed her ex-husband's conviction.
