DANIEL SPENCER FROM CHELTENHAM CONVICTED OF MURDERING HIS EX-WIFE JANE WIGGATT AT HER HOME

Daniel Spencer, a 59-year-old resident of Cheltenham, has been found guilty of the brutal murder of his former wife, Jane Wiggett. The tragic incident took place on the 24th of July last year, within the confines of Wiggett’s residence. According to court proceedings, Spencer strangled his ex-wife during a heated argument that escalated inside her home. Despite his persistent denial of the murder charge, evidence presented during the trial painted a disturbing picture of Spencer’s history of domestic abuse towards Wiggett.

Witness testimonies and police reports revealed that Spencer had previously been involved in violent incidents against Wiggett, including reports of him grabbing her by the throat. Their marriage, which lasted for three decades before ending in divorce in 2005, was marred by such episodes of violence and control. The court heard that Spencer’s violent tendencies culminated in the fatal assault that resulted in Wiggett’s death.

The post-mortem examination confirmed that Wiggett died as a result of strangulation. Her body was discovered concealed beneath duvets, with her face covered by a pillow, and it remained undiscovered for several weeks. Investigators found traces of Spencer’s blood under her fingernails, indicating a struggle and her attempt to defend herself.

Throughout the investigation, it was revealed that Wiggett had endured numerous instances of domestic violence over the years before she finally decided to leave Spencer. Following the verdict, authorities announced that a domestic homicide review would be conducted to evaluate Gloucestershire Police’s response to prior incidents involving Spencer and Wiggett.

In the immediate aftermath of the murder, Spencer fled the country, heading to Birmingham Airport in an attempt to escape justice. However, he was later apprehended following a police appeal. The court described Spencer as a bully who relied on fear and violence to exert control over his wife. The investigation was led by Detective Chief Inspector Ruth Mather, who played a key role in uncovering the details of this tragic case.