Man Jailed for Life for Killing Wife and Hiding Body in Freezer

David Barraclough, 46, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 22 years and one month for the murder of his wife, Carolann Barraclough. The killing occurred in February at the couple's home in Horbury, near Wakefield.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Barraclough spent approximately two weeks concealing his wife's death. During this period, he informed family and friends that Carolann was ill in the hospital and sent messages from her phone to maintain the pretense. He pleaded guilty to murder on the first day of his trial and did not attend his sentencing.

Prosecutors stated that Carolann Barraclough was killed between February 19 and 21. Her body was subsequently tied and placed in a chest freezer located in the utility room of their shared home. Barraclough continued to deceive her children, relatives, and neighbors, claiming she was hospitalized and that only he could visit her. He also used her phone to send messages suggesting her imminent return and prevented the children from accessing the room containing the freezer.

On March 5, Barraclough confessed to the killing at Normanton Police Station, stating, "I've killed my wife." Officers dispatched to the residence discovered Carolann Barraclough's body in the freezer.

Deception and Daily Life

Evidence presented in court indicated that Barraclough maintained his daily routine after the murder. This included visiting pubs, withdrawing significant amounts of cash from a joint bank account, and downloading the dating app Tinder just two days after his wife's death. He later claimed he acted in self-defense after being struck with a hammer and described himself as "heartbroken," "in a haze," and "confused." However, CCTV footage showed no visible injuries, and prosecutors rejected his account.

Jill May, senior crown prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, described Barraclough's actions as a "calculated web of lies." She commended the "incredible bravery" of Carolann Barraclough's eldest daughter for providing evidence in the case. The court was shown an image of David Barraclough, who has a bald head and tattoos on his cheek, and an image of Carolann Barraclough smiling for the camera.