Rebecca Searing jailed for life for murder of husband Paul in Harlow
Police have called it "A moment of extreme violence"
Last updated 7th Sep 2022
A woman who killed her husband has been told she must serve at least 17 years in prison following work by our specialist detectives.
Rebecca Searing stabbed 57 year-old Paul while he lay in bed at their home in Ryecroft, Harlow shortly before 2.15am on 12 February.
After attacking him, the 52 year-old called the ambulance service, admitted what she had done, and requested help from paramedics.
When officers attended and spoke to her about what happened, she seemingly admitted attacking Paul, stating “I can’t believe I’ve just done this” and “I will go down for this”.
Paul was taken to hospital but, sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals he later died.
A blood stained knife was found at the address and Rebecca Searing was later charged with Paul’s murder.
During her trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, the jury heard she had asked one officer while in custody “I am gonna get 25 years for this, aren’t I?”.
She showed no emotion when the jury returned a guilty verdict on 25 August.
At the same court today she was sentenced to life with a minimum of 17 years before she can apply for parole.
"A moment of extreme violence"
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Lydia George said:
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones at this time.
“While this does not bring Paul back, I hope that today’s sentence can provide his family with some justice and they can begin to re-build their lives.
“Rebecca Searing took Paul’s life in a moment of extreme violence.
“This case highlights how quickly incidents of domestic violence can escalate and how serious the consequences can be.
“Rebecca Searing now has a significant amount of time in prison to reflect on her actions.”
Tackling domestic abuse
Last month in Essex, a new campaign was launched encouraging perpetrators of domestic abuse to come forward and get help to change their behaviour.
In the #Reflect campaign, the Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board is working with The Change Project to try and break the cycle of domestic abuse by making perpetrators realise their abusive behaviour and prevent it in the future.
Detective Superintendent Matt Cornish, Essex Police’s lead on Domestic Abuse, said:
“Domestic abuse is a problem in every county. In Essex, we are united in tackling it.
“Officers are dedicated to arresting perpetrators of abuse. In the past 12 months we’ve arrested almost 10,000 people suspected of committing a domestic abuse offence, whether that’s against a family member or a romantic partner.
“Our three Domestic Abuse Problem Solving Teams are also crucial in breaking the cycle of abuse. Their work focuses on repeat offenders and their victims in each area of the county – the north, the south and the west. In the past 12 months, we know that 51% of victims of abuse have been repeat victims.
“Of course, domestic abuse doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We know that issues with finances, housing, and substance abuse can contribute to an abusive lifestyle.
“By working closely with our partners in victim-focused services, and other partner agencies as part of SETDAB, we can look at the bigger picture and prevent present, and future, family members or partners from becoming victims of abuse.”
If you recognise your behaviour may be abusive and have been reflecting on your actions, it’s not too late to make a change.
Please visit The Change Project for advice on how to make a difference to you, your family, and your partners in the future: www.thechange-project.org
If you’re a survivor of abuse looking for community support in your area please visit www.essexcompass.org.uk.
If you want to learn more about how to report abuse offences, you can find more information, including how to delete your recent web browser history, on Essex Police’s website: https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
You can read more about the #Reflect campaign here: www.essex.police.uk/reflect