Man given life sentence for murdering girlfriend’s mother

A man has received a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend’s mother in a “brutal” knife assault and attempting to kill his girlfriend. Damian Homer, aged 51, perpetrated the attack against Wendy Francis and his partner, Stacey Hill, at their residence on Haresfield Close in Worcester around 20:30 GMT on March 2. Law enforcement officials characterized the incident as “a horrific and brutal attack,” noting it inflicted lasting trauma upon those affected. Mr. Homer, residing on Haresfield Close in Worcester, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder at Worcester Crown Court. He was sentenced there on Thursday, with the court stipulating he must complete a minimum term of 20 years in custody. Mrs. Francis, aged 61, had arrived at the residence after her daughter had notified her, having observed Homer arming himself with a knife. The court was informed that Mrs. Francis reached the premises approximately 20:20, where she witnessed her daughter screaming and being assaulted in the kitchen. Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC informed the court that “Wendy Francis said ‘get off my daughter’ and she placed her hands on the defendant’s shoulders.” The court was apprised that Homer, seemingly “possessed” following a dispute, repeatedly assaulted both women before stabbing Mrs. Francis. The defendant, a former dairy manager, DJ, and care worker, remained with his head lowered throughout the proceedings, frequently weeping in the dock as relatives characterized the killing as “evil” in victim impact statements presented to Judge Rupert Mayo. In her victim impact statement read aloud to the court, Ms. Hill stated she would “never, ever be the same,” further expressing that she loved her mother “beyond words.” Paul, Ms. Francis’s husband, mentioned that the couple had been contemplating purchasing a property overseas following his wife’s recovery from cancer. The judge informed Homer that he had perpetrated a “most selfish and cruel act.” Testimony presented to the court indicated that his girlfriend had threatened to end their relationship, and he had accused her of infidelity. Following Homer’s incarceration, a statement released by the family via West Mercia Police described Ms. Francis as “one in a million with a heart of gold” who “put a smile on everyone’s face.” “She would do anything for anyone,” the family added. “She welcomed Damian Homer into the family with open arms, showing nothing but love, support and loyalty towards him, which makes all of this so much harder to comprehend.” The family concluded, “We will never come to terms with why this happened on the 2 March, but what we do know is she will be loved and missed forever.” Representing the defense, Tim Hannam KC informed the court that Homer expressed being “ashamed, disgusted and appalled” by his conduct. Retired Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding, who headed the inquiry, commented that the family displayed remarkable courage throughout the court proceedings, despite being “utterly heartbroken.” He further commended Ms. Hill’s “inspiring” bravery and her testimony, which contributed to securing Homer’s conviction. Detective Chief Inspector Harding stated, “Nothing can bring Wendy back or ease the pain that her murder has caused her family, but I hope that today’s sentence, and the knowledge that Homer will now face the consequences of his brutal actions by spending a significant number of years in prison, allows them some closure going forwards.”