Man jailed for life after killing ex-girlfriend in woodland hideout
Andrew Pearson ambushed Natalie Harker in October last year, before killing her in a woodland hideout.
Last updated 21st Nov 2020
A man from North Yorkshire has been jailed for life at Teeside Crown Court, after being found guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend.
Andrew Pearson, 45, from Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, has been given a minimum term of 23 years before he can apply for parole.
Pearson ambushed Natalie Harker before dawn on October 9 last year, held her face underwater and then took her to his camouflaged tent.
At some point he had sex with her, jurors at Teesside Crown Court heard during his trial, although it was not possible to say if she was alive.
Later that day he messaged a friend in the US to say Goodbye, I have killed Natalie, I'm going to hand myself in''.
The couple had split weeks before and Ms Harker, a conscientious medical centre cleaner and church-goer, had told family and friends she was scared of her ex, who was pestering her by text.
Pearson had set up his tent, hidden in a copse, and lay in wait for her.
Some 12 hours after he killed her, he got his mother to dial 999 for him and he was to tell the operator, in between tears, how his 30-year-old ex-partner had slipped as they walked through woods and had fallen in a stream.
He then claimed he passed out in the tent after trying to revive her.
Pearson, who was jobless but previously worked at Tesco, told the court he had not called 999 earlier as he was in shock.
He denied harming her, and claimed they had consensual sex in the open air before she fell.
When police officers arrived at the tent, Ms Harker's bruised and naked body was stiff.
The jury took less than three hours to convict him of kidnap and murder.
Natalie's family released a statement after the sentencing, saying: “Nothing will ever ease the pain of losing Natalie in such a tragic way. She will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
“We have lost a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to many.
“We thank the senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Steve Menzies and his team, for all their hard work.
“Also, for the support of Lisa Carter from Homicide Victims Support, and from everyone in Colburn, Catterick and the surrounding area.”
You can read more about this case, and listen to the 999 call made by Andrew Pearson here...