The heartbroken family of a mother-of-four brutally murdered by her estranged husband have spoken of their devastation after he was convicted of her murder for the second time.
Sally Turner suffered almost 70 knife wounds during a sustained attacked in her daughter's County Durham home.
The 50-year-old was discovered in a pool of blood after she failed to pick up her beloved disabled granddaughter when she was dropped off from school.
Turner was convicted of murder following a retrial at Newcastle Crown Court after the Court of Appeal quashed his original conviction.
The 55-year-old had admitted manslaughter but tried to hide his 'barbarity' behind a loss of control defence.
In a statement issued by Durham Constabulary, her family said: “The level of barbarity and callous actions inflicted upon Sally has robbed our children and grandchildren of their mother and grandmother and all their lives will be changed forever.
“The outcome is exactly what the family hoped for and today we have seen justice served.
“We would like to thank Durham Police and the prosecution team for their swift response and hard work to finally bring this case to a close.
“We would also like to thank family liaison officer Detective Constable Helen Hudson who has gone above and beyond with the task of keeping the family informed and supported which was made difficult by the distances involved.
“All our lives have been affected by this and we will forever remember Sally.
“May she rest in peace.”
Mrs Turner's lifeless body was discovered in the house on Cuthbert Avenue, Durham, on June 22, 2022.
She had suffered 78 wounds, including defence injuries, from at least 68 knife blows with the deepest being 11cm deep and one was so powerful that it broke her shoulder blade while another broke one of her ribs.
Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a horrific attack with an extreme level of violence.
“Harry Turner carried out a brutal attack on his own wife.
“Sally’s family have shown tremendous strength and dignity throughout the whole investigation and throughout the long delays caused by having to experience two trials.
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“This is an extreme example of violence against women which Durham Constabulary are fully committed to combatting 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.”
Mrs Justice Lambert told the defendant that he will be sentenced tomorrow morning (Friday, May 24) and remanded him in custody.
Turner, of Tiree Close, Brandon, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder following his trial.
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