Man sentenced for the murder of his wife at their Aldwick home

Following the death of 84-year-old Beryl Pyke, her husband, Michael Pyke has been sentenced for her murder, Sussex Police confirmed.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Emergency services attended their home address in Langley Grove, Aldwick, on 31 May after welfare concerns were raised for Beryl.

“Michael Pyke had been reported to police after openly admitting to stabbing and killing his wife.

“Officers entered and discovered Beryl inside, sadly deceased and with significant injuries to her head and chest. She was found to have a total of 11 puncture wounds.

“Michael Pyke, 79, of Langley Grove, was immediately arrested and a search of the property took place.

“Clothing with blood staining was identified in the laundry basket, and the search also uncovered the knife used in the attack, which had been hidden in Michael Pyke's bedside cabinet.

“Despite Michael Pyke staying silent in interview, the evidence was mounting, and on June 2 he was charged with Beryl's murder and remanded in custody.

“He appeared at Brighton Crown Court on October 19, where he pleaded guilty to the offence. He was then remanded back into custody to await his sentencing.

At Hove Crown Court on Friday, November 13, Michael Pyke was jailed for 15 years.

Case officer, Detective Sergeant Elliott Lander from the Major Crime Team, said: "In May this year, Michael Pyke cruelly took Beryl's life in the bedroom of the home they shared.

"While in police custody, he made a number of comments which indicated his responsibility for what had happened, showing no remorse and a nonchalant attitude towards the devastating consequences of his actions.

"When interviewed, Michael Pyke chose to remain silent, denying officers and Beryl's family the answers they deserved.

"Nothing can undo the devastation caused by Beryl's death, but now sentencing has taken place, we hope her family, friends and all those who knew and loved her can take some comfort in knowing the man responsible will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.

"We would like to thank witnesses and everyone who supported our enquiries as this case now draws to a conclusion."