Man sentenced to 21 years for murdering wife and impersonating her
David Barraclough, 46, was jailed for a minimum of 21 years and six months after admitting he murdered his wife, Carolann, at their home in Horbury, West Yorkshire. He hid her body in a chest freezer and used her phone to mislead her children into believing she was alive, while pursuing other relationships and spending her money.
The court heard that Barraclough beat Carolann, 37, with a claw hammer on 20 February, then bound her and wrapped her in a duvet. He maintained the deception for nearly two weeks before confessing to police on 5 March, claiming he had “snapped” after years of abuse; the judge called that account a self-serving cover story. Carolann’s sister said she was devoted to her three children and described the family’s loss as agonising.
- David Barraclough was jailed for at least 21 years.
- He hid his wife’s body in a freezer.
- He used her phone to deceive her children.
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David Barraclough and his wife Carolann lived together in Horbury, West Yorkshire. Carolann was 37 years old and had three children. In February 2026, she died at their home.
Rather than reveal what had happened, David concealed her body and used her mobile phone to send messages to her children, making them believe their mother was still alive. He also spent her money and pursued other relationships during this period.
Carolann's children received messages appearing to be from their mother while unaware of her death. Her sister described her as devoted to her children. The case involved both her death and the sustained deception of those closest to her.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Husband murdered wife and dumped body in chest freezer before sending texts to her children to make it look like she was still alive”.