The family of a loving grandmother who was brutally murdered by her estranged husband have spoken of their devastating loss.
Sally Turner was savagely attacked in her daughter’s home and suffered 68 knife wounds to her head, body and arms, during the sustained assault in June last year.
Harry Turner was found guilty of her murder following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.
In powerful victim impact statements family members spoke of the devastating loss of their ‘mother-figure’ who was everyone’s rock.
Sally’s daughter, Ronnie Beamish, said her 54-year-old stepfather had torn the heart of her family.
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She said: “When my mum was taken away from us very suddenly, in such a cruel manner, I can’t put into words the devastating impact it has had on myself, my children and my siblings.
“My mum was my rock, she was the person that I expected to be around forever and be there for me and my children.
“Harry took that all away and she is no longer with us. The life I once had is no more, it will never be the same again.”
Ricky Turner, Sally’s stepson, added: “It has been difficult to come to terms with; the pain and suffering has deeply affected me.
“Sally was like a best friend to me as well as being an amazing mother-figure which I had never had before.”
Read more: Estranged husband guilty of murdering Sally Turner in brutal knife attack
Following the verdict, her family issued a statement through Durham Constabulary saying: “The level of barbarity and callous actions inflicted upon Sally has robbed our family of a mother and grandmother, and all of our lives will be changed forever.
“The outcome is exactly what the family hoped for and today we have seen justice served.
“All our lives have been affected by this and we will forever remember Sally. May she rest in peace.”
And Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, who led the investigation, said: “This case is extremely disturbing given the level of violence used against Sally Turner and her loss of life as a result of a brutal attack from her husband, Harry Turner.
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“This has had a devastating impact upon Sally’s family who are now trying to rebuild their lives. Sally’s family and friends have shown enormous courage in supporting the prosecution which has resulted in the conviction of Harry Turner.
“This is an extreme example of violence against women which Durham Constabulary are fully committed to ending by working closely with other agencies and members of our communities.
“We encourage anyone concerned about domestic abuse or coercive and controlling behaviour to report the matter to the police or seek appropriate professional support.”
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