Sentence
Craig Woodhall
Craig Woodhall (aged 41) was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 2 October 2020 to 18 Years 6 Months - Life for Murder and 2 other offences. The offences, what the court heard and the sentence passed.
- Court
- Sheffield Crown Court
- Sentenced
- 2 October 2020
- Sentence
- 18 Years 6 Months - Life
- Judge
- Judge Jeremy Richardson QC (The Recorder of Sheffield)
- Convicted on
- Guilty Plea
2 offences
| Offence | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Murder | Custodial immediate, Life |
| Possession of offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse / Threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place | Custodial immediate, 1 Year 3 Months |
What the court heard
He pleaded guilty to murder and possession of an offensive weapon in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on 29 March 2020. The court heard that his 31-year-old estranged wife was outside their former matrimonial home and was attempting to see their children when he refused to let her into the property. He attacked his victim with a machete after seeing her filming him through a window. His victim suffered stab wounds to the head, face, neck and body and she died at the scene. The judge said: "You relentlessly stabbed your wife to death ... in a public street in full view of several neighbours. Your conduct was merciless, determined, sustained and savage in the extreme... All she wanted to do was see her children."
Aggravating and mitigating factors
Good Character / No (relevant) previous convictions; Presence of vulnerable persons / Children; Busy / Public place / Time / Location / Broad Daylight / Residential Area; Weapons / Use of weapon/s