Husband jailed for murdering wife

Fatal end to 'private' marriage

A man has been jailed for life for stabbing his wife to death before setting fire to their Lancashire home.

David Mulholland, 58, stabbed Pamela, 52, in a "sustained and violent attack" in Heritage Way, Tarleton, in July, before starting several fires.

Mulholland pleaded guilty to murder at Preston Crown Court, and must serve at least 11 years and 300 days.

Mrs Mulholland's sister Susan Cull said: "I am glad justice has been done. He is where he should be."

Neighbours raised the alarm after seeing the couple's detached home on fire in the early hours.

'Difficult investigation'

Firefighters pulled the pair out, but Mrs Mulholland was already dead. She had suffered about 70 separate injuries, some of them stab wounds.

Mulholland suffered superficial injuries and was taken to hospital.

He was later arrested and admitted he had killed his wife after a row over money.

Police estimate that the attack started at 1700 BST when Mrs Mulholland returned from her job at the Royal Preston Hospital - eight hours before the fire was reported.

Det Ch Insp Des Coop, of Lancashire police, said: "I strongly believe justice has been done.

"This is a reasonable sentence and what was expected. David Mulholland showed signs of extremely strange behaviour following the incident.

"This was a very difficult investigation due to the private nature of the couple. This was an extremely tragic case and our thoughts today are with Pamela's friends and family."