DAVID Lancaster was today sentenced to 11 years 9and nine months in prison after admitting to the murder of his wife Helen.

Lancaster, aged 60 from Kingston Road in Tewkesbury killed 54-year-old Helen at their house in the early hours of September 30 last year.

Officers were called to the address at around 4.45am where the body was found. Helen had been struck by a blunt instrument to back of the head.

Lancaster called police that day and admitted that he had killed Helen.

He was arrested later that day in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset.

He was charged with Helen's murder on October 2 and at a plea hearing yesterday he pleaded guilty to murder.

Detective inspector Richard Pegler from the Brunel Major Crime Team said: "I am pleased David Lancaster did the right thing in offering a guilty plea, saving his daughter and family the additional pain and upset of a trial.

“What David did was brutal and prompted by anger knowing his relationship was over.

"Helen was a much loved and respected member of her community and school and she will be sorely missed.

“My thoughts are with the family who are still trying to come to terms with what has happened."