David Barraclough, 46, must serve at least 22 years and one month in prison after murdering his wife Carolann at their Horbury home and attempting to cover up the crime.
A man from Horbury, near Wakefield, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after murdering his wife and attempting to conceal her death from family and friends.
David Barraclough, 46, murdered Carolann Barraclough, a mother of three, at their home on Ken Churchill Drive in February 2026.
He subsequently told relatives, neighbours and friends, including Carolann's children, that she had become unwell and was receiving treatment in hospital.
However, an investigation by West Yorkshire Police established that Barraclough had killed his wife with a hammer before concealing her body inside a chest freezer at their home.
At Leeds Crown Court on Friday, 9 October, he received a mandatory life sentence and was ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years and one month before becoming eligible for consideration for release.
Murder followed by an elaborate cover-up
Carolann was last seen alive on 19 February, and detectives believe she was murdered between that date and 21 February.
Following her death, Barraclough attempted to convince people that she was still alive.
Investigators discovered that he had sent messages from Carolann's mobile phone to her friends and relatives as part of his attempts to conceal what had happened.
On 5 March, Barraclough attended Wakefield District Police Headquarters in Normanton and admitted to reception staff that he had killed his wife.
He also told officers that he had attempted to take his own life.
Police subsequently attended the couple's home, where they discovered Carolann's body concealed inside a freezer.
Forensic examinations identified evidence that she had been attacked with a hammer in the main bedroom.
Claims of self-defence rejected by evidence
Barraclough initially claimed that he had acted in self-defence, alleging that Carolann had attacked him first and that he had experienced domestic abuse.
However, detectives uncovered evidence contradicting his account.
Officers spoke to friends and relatives who described Barraclough as controlling and manipulative towards his wife.
CCTV footage also showed no visible injuries on him following the attack.
At the beginning of his trial earlier in the week, Barraclough changed his plea to guilty and admitted murder.
Police condemn calculated actions
Detective Inspector Tom Hilyer, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, described Barraclough as a manipulative and calculating individual who had gone to extreme lengths to avoid responsibility.
He said investigators had been able to disprove Barraclough's claims and expressed hope that the outcome would provide some comfort to Carolann's devastated family.
Family remembers a loving mother
In an emotional tribute, Carolann's family described her as the bright light of their lives.
Known affectionately as Caz, she was remembered for her infectious smile, warmth, generosity and love for family and friends.
Her relatives said her three children had been left facing a future without the mother who should have been there to support and guide them.
The family also spoke about the increasing isolation Carolann had experienced before her death, describing the loss of precious time with her as particularly painful.
They have asked for privacy and support for her children as they come to terms with their loss.
Family suffers further tragedy
The family revealed that Carolann's father, David Rowley, died following a heart attack on 17 September 2026.
They said he had endured enormous grief and stress following his daughter's murder and throughout the court proceedings.
His death has compounded the family's suffering.
In their tribute, relatives said:
"Carolann was a vital and irreplaceable part of our family. We will remember her for her warmth, her laughter, her love for people and, above everything else, the love she had for her children."
The family said that no sentence could restore the years and memories Carolann's children should have shared with their mother.
Barraclough will serve a life sentence, with a minimum custodial term of 22 years and one month before he can be considered for parole. Release at that point is not automatic.
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