Family pays tribute to couple in double death

LAST week's incident in which a Bexhill man is believed to have strangled his wife to death and then committed suicide by hanging himself is still being investigated by police.

Meanwhile, the son and daughter of Audrey Ellen Taylor, 75, who also suffered a head injury, and Donald “Don” Clifford Brian Taylor, 79, of Collington Rise, have made a short statement in testament to their lives.

They also alluded to Mrs Taylor’s pet dog, which detectives discovered lying dead on a sofa in the lounge of the smart, detached house where the tragedy was played out. The bodies were found last Wednesday morning.

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The couple’s daughter, Karen Melhuish, 50, told reporters: “Both my brother (Mark, aged 46) and I are finding the recent events which have transpired very difficult and extremely painful to come to terms with.

“Our mum was our inspiration; she was a very strong and protective lady with extremely high family values. She was extremely protective of us both and we grew up to be supported within her close, large family.

“Through part of our childhood and adult life she was a single parent and we will always respect her and will carry forth cherished memories of the times we spent together.

“Mum was a warm, friendly woman; she always had a smile on her face and a light-hearted attitude towards life. Mum had been a fashion consultant and adored the world of fashion.

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“Mum had many friends - one in particular she had known for many, many years and, as they advanced in years, they spent more time on the telephone than in the town.

“Mum’s constant companion over the past 12 years had been Rowan, her adorable miniature poodle, who never left her side and was her faithful friend.

“Recently, Mum told me of some of the happy times in her childhood. She had a wonderful ability to remember the tiniest details of her past. She had wonderful parents who would always give their support to her and us. “Our Mum had a wicked sense of humour and her eyes twinkled at the stories of her childhood; she would giggle; and that was the time it was so apparent she was truly happy.”

But the Taylors’ children acknowledged that, unfortunately, their parents’ marriage had not been without its problems.

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Their daughter said: “Our father, although a clever and hard working man, was not as carefree and fun-loving as our mum.

“Over the years he became a successful businessman, owning several properties in the Tunbridge Wells area. However, he never found himself able to fully enjoy the fruits of his labour.”

She added: “The family is in extreme shock and disbelief over current events. We ask to now put our parents to rest, and for us to be given the time to grieve and to come to terms with these tragic events.”

Post mortem examinations confirmed that Mrs Taylor had died from manual strangulation and her husband from strangulation by hanging.

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