A former UKIP councillor has been found guilty of murdering his wife, after he had an affair with their son's partner. Stephen Searle, 64, strangled his wife Anne at their home in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on 30 December. The ex-Royal Marine had denied killing Mrs Searle, 62, after she found out about the affair with Anastasia Pomiateeva. He was found guilty by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court and will be sentenced on Wednesday.
Recording of him calling the Police The head on the Sons partner
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6801557/stephen-searle-royal-marine-ukip-councillor-murder-wife-anne-guilty/Recording of him calling the Police The head on the Sons partner
Following the verdict, former politician Bill Mountford told BBC Suffolk he still considered Searle "a friend", adding "these things happen".
Mr Mountfield, who was leader of UKIP at Suffolk County Council when Searle was a councillor, said "I still regard Steve as fundamentally a decent man who has found himself in circumstances beyond his control.
"I'm not condoning it in any way but I was very, very sad to hear of Steve's conviction.
"I'm well aware domestic disputes can get out of hand but I feel equally sorry for both Steve and his now deceased wife."
Following the verdict, former politician Bill Mountford told BBC Suffolk he still considered Searle "a friend", adding "these things happen".Mr Mountfield, who was leader of UKIP at Suffolk County Council when Searle was a councillor, said "I still r