ROTHERHAM MAN JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER AFTER STABBING WIFE
A man identified as Laurence Ward, aged 58, was convicted and sentenced for the manslaughter of his wife Joanne, aged 53.He was sentenced to three years and four months in jail for stabbing his wife three times during an argument at their flat located on Lowgreave, Herringthorpe Valley Road, in Rotherham, on 21 June.
After the attack, Ward, who was also seriously injured, walked into a relative's home and confessed to the stabbing, fearing he had caused her death.
He later told police he left her to die because he was in a state of "shock and panic." Police responded quickly, arriving at the scene at 5.53pm where they found Joanne with fatal chest injuries; paramedics confirmed her death at the scene.
The knife used was recovered from the scene.
Ward was arrested and questioned, eventually pleading guilty to manslaughter at Sheffield Crown Court, a plea accepted by the prosecution.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cartwright, the lead investigator, commented: "This is a tragic case which has resulted in Joanne Ward losing her life.
Laurence Ward left his wife to succumb to her injuries alone as he walked to a different address to disclose what had happened.
He was waiting for us when we arrived.
Our investigation was thorough, including over 30 witness statements, and I thank everyone who helped us build the case." In police interviews, Ward admitted he was the only one responsible for Joanne’s injuries, claiming he left due to shock and panic.
The sentence aims to bring some closure for those affected by this tragic incident.
