A husband who suffocated his terminally ill ex-wife has been jailed for her murder.
Cornelius Van Der Ploeg, 64, had visited Cherith at her home where she was receiving end-of-life care and asked for time alone with her.
Half an hour later he told family members he had smothered her.
Police and paramedics were called and Van Der Ploeg admitted killing his ex, from Costessey, Norfolk.
Mrs Van Der Ploeg had been diagnosed with a terminal illness the previous month and her condition had rapidly deteriorated, Norwich crown court heard.
Det Insp Lewis Craske said: “It appears he killed his ex-wife believing it to be in her and her family’s best interests...
"Cherith’s daughter and son did not have the opportunity to grieve while the police investigation in to the actions of their father took over.”
Van Der Ploeg of Telford, Shrops, must serve a minimum six years.
