BRUTAL WIFE KILLER BOULTON JAILED FOR LIFE
2000:A young child faces a future without his parents after his father was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his mother.Marc Boulton, a 45-year-old window cleaner, was convicted and sentenced to life for the brutal killing of his wife, a dentist.
He also threw her body from a balcony at their upscale residence.
During the attack at their Berkshire home, Boulton assaulted his wife Linda by punching and stamping her face before suffocating her in their bedroom, while their two-year-old son Oliver was sleeping nearby.
Mrs.
Boulton, who previously lived in Bolton where her parents still reside, attempted to call emergency services on her mobile phone during the assault.
After a three-hour deliberation, a jury of six men and six women found Boulton unanimously guilty at Reading Crown Court yesterday.
Boulton showed no visible reaction when the verdict was sentenced.
In her sentencing remarks, Mr.
Justice Moses described the attack as unprovoked and prolonged, stating, “It is evident from the evidence that, in a fit of uncontrollable rage, you strangled her over an extended period.” He continued, “You told her what you planned to do—namely to kill her—and her last words before dying appeared to be your declaration of intent to kill her.” The court audience responded emotionally, with cries of “yes” heard as the sentence was announced.
Mr.
Justice Moses honored Linda Boulton’s family for their dignity during the trial, describing the case as deeply distressing.
Defense lawyer Sonia Woodley noted that Boulton had no previous criminal record for the past 15 years and expressed his remorse, saying, “He deeply regrets what happened that night and will carry the consequences for life.” Evidence presented included a 999 emergency call in which Boulton expressed a desire for his wife to die as he throttled her, ending with her being thrown off the balcony.
The recording captured her gasps and struggle, along with Boulton’s chilling threats, including, “You are going to die, do you hear me, you bitch?” During a second call, Boulton requested ambulance, police, and a psychiatrist, confessing, “I’ve just killed my wife,” and becoming increasingly distraught while giving his address.
Responding officers found Mrs.
Boulton’s body on the patio with a pillow over her face.
Police had to use CS gas to detain Boulton, who reportedly admitted to the killing immediately afterwards.
The prosecution revealed that Boulton inflicted over 50 injuries on his wife, stamping on her face to the extent that his shoe imprint was visible.
His wife had been suffering from depression and excessive drinking, as testified by the prosecution.
Boulton claimed to have been provoked by his wife after returning from the pub, but later stated he had no memory of the assault.
Blood tests showed Mrs.
Boulton’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit, while Boulton’s was more than twice the limit five hours post-incident.
He confessed to manslaughter, citing provocation as his motive, but was ultimately convicted of murder.
