A man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 27 years for murdering his ex-wife at their son’s grave on their late child’s birthday.
Martin Suter, 68, was rebuked by the judge and his former brother-in-law for “pitilessly extinguishing” the life of Ann Blackwood, 71.
Suter, a Green party member and council election candidate, laid in wait for Blackwood for five hours at a graveyard in Stubbington, Hampshire, in 2023 and stabbed her 19 times.
He stabbed her with his 12-inch kitchen knife and then with a pair of scissors she had brought with her to trim memorial flowers, the court heard.
Sentencing Suter, Judge Michael Bowes KC told him he had committed an act of wickedness and a dreadful crime.
After being jailed for life and told he would serve a minimum of 27 years and 230 days, he showed little emotion and smiled as he left court.
He was also sentenced for a separate matter – a previous indecent assault of a girl under 14 – for which he was given a four-month sentence.
Blackwood’s brother, John, said in a statement at Portsmouth crown court: “His wickedness is alien to us and totally beyond our comprehension.
“Her life was pitilessly extinguished in such a savage way. It is something that our family will never be able to come to terms with. The family hub has been splintered in the most grotesque manner possible.”
The court heard that couple’s son, Christopher, had died at the age of 15 in 2003. A coroner ruled his death accidental. The couple divorced in 2004.
After the attack, Suter phoned the police and blamed Blackwood for the death of his son. The judge, however, told him his loss “cannot reduce your culpability for the murder of his mother”.
Suter, an engineer, lived in the seaside town of Lee-on-the-Solent, about a mile from Blackwood. An active member of the St Faith’s Church in the town, the court heard he was also a yachting enthusiast.
Suter admitted murder in court in May last year, but his case was subject to reporting restrictions.
After his sentencing, Blackwood’s family said: “Our family have been absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Ann Blackwood.
“A loving, caring, kind-hearted mother, sister and friend who was a very popular member of her local community, loved and respected by everyone who knew her.
“Ann dedicated her life to helping and inspiring others throughout her successful teaching career; she was admired by her pupils and colleagues alike.
“Ann will be remembered as a person of beauty, grace, and immeasurable fortitude. As a family we would like to thank everyone who has remained steadfast in the pursuit of justice.”
DI Martin Longyear of Hampshire police said: “This case has understandably caused significant distress to Ann’s family and I hope that today’s sentence helps them to move forward safe in the knowledge that Suter will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
“We understand the impact of crimes like this to the wider community, and we are committed to bringing offenders like Suter to justice.”
