Charles Forster jailed for wife's murder in Coundon
A man has been jailed for life for the murder of his wife.
Mother-of four Susan Ann Forster, 51, died after she was found with serious injuries at her home in Gurlish West, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, in May.
Charles Forster, 63, pleaded guilty to murder in October. The judge at Newcastle Crown Court told him he would serve at least 13 years and 159 days.
Durham Police said it hoped the case would encourage victims of domestic violence to end relationships.
Det Supt Paul Goundry, of Durham Police, said: "This case must ring alarm bells for other victims of domestic violence.
"They must look at this and see the similarities and, hopefully, they will break free."
In July, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it had started an inquiry after Durham Police said they had contact with Mrs Forster four times before her death because of concerns for her welfare.
An IPCC spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing.