RETIRED POLICE CHIEF WHO PLOTTED TO ATTACK EX-WIFE JAILED
A retired Police Superintendent has received a six-year prison sentence following his conviction for breaking into his ex-wife’s home and plotting an attack as part of a suicide plan.On October 16, 2023, Martyn Horne, a former Metropolitan Police chief, forcibly entered his family residence by smashing the door with the intention of severely harming his ex-wife.
The 73-year-old resident of Drayton Beauchamp near Aylesbury, Bucks, parked his vehicle at a nearby reservoir, then proceeded on foot to the house, where he hid overnight in a garden shed until morning.
Court footage of doorbell camera recordings revealed Horne knocking on the door before violently breaking in.
His ex-wife responded by fleeing to a neighbour's house for safety.
During a 999 call played in court, Ms Sharon Heyes was heard repeatedly saying, 'He's going to kill me.' The judge noted that Horne, a retired Police Superintendent, had prepared for his attack by attaching tape to his clothing for easy removal and cutting rope to a specific length to restrain Ms Heyes.
Prosecutor Miles Trigg presented evidence that Horne’s actions and notes on his phone pointed to a plan that could have resulted in serious injury.
Investigations uncovered that Horne had bought tools and materials earlier that day, including a Stanley Knife, duct tape, a folding knife with five blades, and braided rope, all documented by a B&Q receipt.
Evidence of his overnight stay in an outbuilding was also noted.
Ms Heyes, who spoke from the courtroom’s public gallery, described her life as shaken by the events, having moved out of her home.
A former police officer and senior nurse, she received commendations for heroic acts, yet faced unexpected hostility within her own residence.
She expressed the trauma of seeing Horne hiding in her garden and described her ongoing fears and difficulties, including depression and anxiety preventing her from returning to nursing.
Judge Neil Millard acknowledged her resilience, emphasising the strength required to endure the court process and encouraging her to regain her confidence.
Horne’s defence lawyer described the case as profoundly tragic, highlighting that both parties had successful careers and shared joyful times, but later experienced relationship breakdown.
The court found Horne’s actions showed clear intent to cause harm.
At the time of the incident, Horne was on bail for two earlier incidents in 2023, including an assault on Ms Heyes in July when he damaged her phone during a dispute over car navigation, and an attempted suffocation in September.
Judge Millard condemned the escalating nature of his violence, noting the potential for more serious harm.
After committing the burglary, Horne reportedly cut his wrists in the bathroom, indicating an intent to self-harm alongside the violence.
He was convicted of burglary and pleaded guilty to other charges, which included assault causing actual bodily harm and attempted suffocation.
In addition to his prison term, Horne will be subject to a restraining order to protect Ms Heyes until further notice.
