Eastbourne man denies killing wife

Raymond Hoadley is accused of murdering his wife, Jacqueline, 58.

Her body was tragically discovered in her home in Broad Oak Close on Sunday, July 5.

Mr Hoadley, of Willowfield Road, was arrested at the Chailey Heritage Foundation in North Chailey in July, and charged with her murder.

The 62-year-old appeared at a pre-trial preparation hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, October 9, and pleaded not guilty, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed.

There will be a further pre-trial review at Lewes Crown Court on December 14, the CPS said, and the trial is due to start on January 4, 2021.

Jacqueline, who was known as Jackie, was described as a ‘devoted and caring’ mother and campaigner for her two disabled children.

At the time of her tragic death, Chailey Heritage Foundation paid tribute to her.

In a moving statement, the charity said: “Our whole community is deeply saddened by the tragic situation and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and Jackie’s friends at this time.

“We would like to pay tribute to Jackie as a devoted and caring mother and a committed campaigner for the rights of disabled children.

“She was well known by many of the parents at Chailey Heritage and she will be sorely missed by so many people.”

Carole Oram, Chailey’s parent governor and Jackie’s friend, added: “Jackie was an institution. She gave so much to so many people and she fought for what was right for our disabled children. We are all devastated.”

Chailey Heritage Foundation said its main priority was to support Jackie’s two children and the staff who work closely with them ‘at this incredibly difficult time’.