Heiress's killer given jail term

Richard George Holtby admitted strangling Ms Healey

A man who admitted the manslaughter of the daughter of one of the UK's richest men has been jailed for eight and a half years.

Suzy Healey, whose father Malcolm used to own Hygena Kitchens, was strangled by Richard Holtby when she told him their relationship was over last year.

The 38-year-old, of South Cave, denied murder at his trial at Hull Crown Court but had admitted manslaughter.

Miss Healey, 39, ran an animal sanctuary at her home in East Yorks.

During his trial, the jury of six men and six women heard Holtby "snapped" after he realised Miss Healey - his ex-fiancee - had slept with another man.

Ms Healey lived alone in the village

Sentencing Holtby, Mr Justice Wilkie said he had been subjected to a "low degree" of provocation by Miss Healey.

He told him: "It is clear from all who spoke of her, Suzy Healey was a demanding person to befriend or become involved with.

"Whatever her difficulties, which were essentially not of her own making, she did not remotely deserve to die at your hands."

Holtby will have to serve half his sentence but could be released in under three-and-a-half years because of the time he has already served on remand.

After the case Miss Healey's family thanked the police and those involved in the judicial process for securing the conviction.

In a statement, they said: "Suzy was very special and to those who knew her well, was a force for good, always cheerful and smiling.

"Although a private person she enjoyed company and was in no way the reclusive figure painted by some sections of the media."

Miss Healey's compassion and love of wildlife led her to establish a refuge for neglected and abused animals which became the centre of her life, they added.

Miss Healey was found dead at her home, Ellerker Hall, on 22 August last year.