Offender jailed for life after brutal Hammer murder in Hexham

OFFENDER JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER BRUTAL HAMMER MURDER IN HEXHAM

Graeme Jarman, 48 years old and from Consett in County Durham, was found guilty and given a prison sentence for the murder of Judith Richardson, whose flat was located in Hexham, Northumberland, in August 2011.

The court was told that Jarman caused her fatal injuries by striking her multiple times with a hammer, leaving her to die while her residence was looted.

Witnesses reported seeing him gazing at Miss Richardson’s flat prior to the assault.

The motive for the attack appeared to be driven by greed, as Jarman stole her handbag and jewelry after the murder, then sold the stolen items for scrap metal.

Jarman had a history of serious offenses, including rape, kidnap, sexual assault, and robbery, and described himself as an 'everyday psychopath' when confessing to raping a teenage girl at gunpoint over two decades ago.

The judge sentenced him to serve at least 35 years in prison, underscoring the brutality of the crime and the threat he continued to pose.

The court noted that Jarman showed no remorse and was unlikely to be released, with the judge stating, 'He will remain detained until old age — that is the penalty he must pay for this heinous act.' The police apprehended him after a tip from library staff in Filey, North Yorkshire, and the local community expressed their appreciation for the public support during the case.