October 16, 2015 2.18 pm This story is over 100 months old

Lincolnshire woman jailed after smothering her partner to death

Murderer sentenced: A Lincolnshire pensioner has been sentenced to life in prison after she confessed to smothering her partner with a pillow.

A Lincolnshire pensioner has been sentenced to life in prison after she confessed to smothering her partner with a pillow.

Lynn Stallard, 67, was told at Lincoln Crown Court that she must serve a minimum of 12 years for the murder of 68-year-old Louis Spires.

Stallard had initially denied murdering Spires at their home address of Eastfield Road in Louth on the afternoon of May 15.

However, she changed her plea to guilty after appearing at Lincoln Crown Court in September.

Following sentencing, Malcolm Spires, brother of the victim, said: “Louis is, and will always be, missed by all his family and friends.

“He was such a lovely, caring man, who would not hurt anyone, so it was such a shock to hear of the terrible and tragic news of how his life was taken from him too soon.

“We just want justice for Louis now, not just for his death but for all the pain and suffering Louis had to deal with over the years at the hands of Lynn Stallard, someone who was meant to care and look after him as he was registered disabled and partially sighted. He needed help, which he did not get.”

Senior Investigating Officer for Lincolnshire Police, DI Helen Evans, added: “Mr Spires was housebound and relied on Stallard for his care but that afternoon, his carer became his killer.

“Stallard initially lied about what happened but I am pleased that she has finally admitted her actions and saved Mr Spires’ family the further stress of a trial.”