DEVON MAN JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER MURDERING PARTNER OF 40 YEARS
A former scientist who fatally attacked his partner during a dispute over a duvet has been handed a life sentence, according to police reports.Edgar Fairhurst, aged 74, is required to serve no less than 20 years behind bars after he was found guilty of killing 83-year-old Marjorie Elphick.
Elphick’s body was found at the residence she shared with Fairhurst in Bideford, Devon, on December 30th of the previous year.
The couple had maintained a relationship for approximately four decades, and during an argument, Fairhurst struck her with a hammer, resulting in deadly injuries.
Fairhurst initially confessed to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied the charge of murder.
After a four-day trial at Exeter Crown Court, a jury convicted him of murder, and the presiding judge, Mr.
Justice Teare, sentenced him to life imprisonment.
DI Sharon Donald, who led the investigation, stated: “Marjorie Elphick was an independent and active woman, greatly loved by her son, niece, relatives, and friends.
In the early hours of December 30, she was subjected to an unprovoked and violent assault while in her bed, carried out by her partner of 40 years, Edgar Fairhurst.
Unfortunately, her injuries were fatal, and she died at the scene.” “Today, justice has been served.
I want to thank the officers and investigative team for their dedication and professionalism throughout this case.
My deepest sympathies go to Marjorie’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.” In a statement from Devon and Cornwall police, Marjorie Elphick’s family described her as a “kind and vivacious woman.” They expressed their devastation, highlighting her as a lively member of her community and cherished by many friends.
They noted that despite her age, she remained healthy and active, with many more years ahead of her, making her loss especially painful for her family, spanning four generations.
Her family reflected that her life had been cruelly cut short and acknowledged how hard it would be to imagine life without her.
