MICHAEL WATHEN FROM HALESOWEN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER OF WIFE HEATHER

In a tragic and shocking case that has sent ripples through the community of Halesowen, Michael Wathen, a retired firefighter, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of the murder of his wife, Margaret, also known as Heather. The incident took place in Halesowen, where Wathen, aged 67, committed the fatal act that ended Heather’s life in a moment of intense anger and betrayal.

According to court proceedings, Wathen strangled Heather after she confided in him that she intended to leave him for his close friend, Alan Thompson. The revelation of her infidelity, which was confirmed during the trial, appeared to have triggered a violent response from Wathen. Initially, Wathen admitted to manslaughter but denied the charge of murder. However, after a thorough trial and a unanimous verdict by the jury, he was found guilty of murder. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his actions and the irreversible consequences of his temper.

During the trial, Wathen expressed his deep love for Heather, sharing a heartfelt note in which he described their nearly fifty-year marriage. He stated, “Heather and I were man and wife and lovers for nearly half a century. I loved her more than any man can love a woman,” and revealed that he kept her ashes with his own, intending to scatter them together someday. Despite these sentiments, the court was told that Wathen’s actions were driven by rage after discovering Heather’s romantic involvement with Alan Thompson, who was also employed at Northfield fire station, where Wathen had worked.

The court heard that Heather, also 63, had confessed to Wathen during a holiday in Goa that she was having an affair with Thompson. This revelation caused Wathen suspicion and distress. The couple had attempted to salvage their marriage through counseling after returning from their trip, but the underlying issues persisted. The tragic climax occurred when Heather was trying to contact Thompson to come and pick her up, and Wathen, in a fit of anger, strangled her. Wathen claimed that his intention was merely to frighten her, but the court found that his actions were driven by fury and a loss of control.

As a result of his conviction, Wathen was told he must serve a minimum of 12 years before he becomes eligible for parole. The judge emphasized that the punishment was secondary to the fact that Wathen’s life sentence began the moment he placed his hands around Heather’s throat, marking the irreversible nature of his crime and the tragic end of a long marriage marred by betrayal and anger.