SCUNTHORPE MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR WIFE’S BRUTAL MURDER IN 'BARBARIC RAGE'
Michael Tate, aged 73, received a life sentence in prison following the brutal murder of his wife Margaret, who was 63 at the time.The incident took place at their residence in Scunthorpe, where he repeatedly stabbed her in a rage described as 'barbaric' after she declined an offer of £50,000 to leave him.
The attack happened mere weeks after Margaret had been declared free of breast cancer.
Initially, Tate denied any involvement, alleging that her lover was responsible for her death.
However, he changed his plea to guilty five days into his court trial.
Judge Paul Benson described the murder as 'barbaric,' highlighting the 'repeated stabbing and slashing' with a knife.
An aggravating factor included how he treated her body—dragging her some distance and leaving her partially undressed with a sun lounger over her.
During court proceedings, Tate admitted he was frustrated with his wife's drinking and had offered her money because he believed she was 'feeling trapped' in their marriage.
He also told police that he killed her during a drunken argument, expressing the sentiment, 'My missus has done my head in.' He was sentenced to serve at least 13 years in prison.
Despite his actions, Tate had helped care for Margaret during her illness, and her family shared their grief, noting her recent cancer clearance made her loss even more painful.
The court reflected on the physical and emotional suffering caused, with the judge emphasizing the significant pain inflicted upon Margaret's family.
