Builder killed ex-wife over sale of house
AMAN axed his ex-wife to death after he learned she was selling the house he had built for them. Builder Stephen Booth, 64, attacked healthcare assistant Susan Booth, 62, from behind as she returned home from a shift at Royal Oldham Hospital on May 4.
He decided to kill her after he received a call from his solicitor who informed him the sale of the couple’s former home, which he was living in, would be completed within days for more than £450,000, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Booth, of Audenshaw, Greater Manchester, then travelled to Hillside Avenue in Shaw Oldham, where Ms Booth had moved since their separation in 2017.
He waited as she got out of her car and then without warning or conversation struck her repeatedly with an axe and caused her catastrophic head injuries .
Ms Booth was rushed to her workplace for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Booth rang police shortly after the attack and confessed to the killing as he explained the house sale would have left him homeless.
Yesterday, Booth, of The Paddocks, Churchfields, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years, said police.
Following sentencing, Ms Booth’s family said: “Mum was the epitome of caring, both in her professional and personal life.
“If you knew her, you would have known that nothing was too much trouble, and she would help anyone who needed it.
“She was dedicated to her three grandchildren, who were the light of her life and will be deeply missed by all of us.”
GMP senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe said: “This was a tragic event where a family has lost a cherished mother and grandmother.
“It is a complex and saddening case and our specially trained officers are continuing to support the Booth family. Our thoughts and sympathies remain with them.”