Man Sentenced to Life for Ex-Wife's Murder at Son's Grave in Hampshire
Published 21 November 2025
Highlights
- Martin Suter, 68, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his ex-wife, Ann Blackwood, at their son's grave in Hampshire.
- Suter waited for five hours before attacking Blackwood with a kitchen knife and scissors on what would have been their son's 36th birthday.
- The court heard that Suter blamed Blackwood for their son's death, which occurred in 2003 when he was 15 years old.
- Suter received an additional four-month sentence for a separate indecent assault charge involving a minor.
- The murder has left Blackwood's family devastated, describing her as a loving and vibrant member of the community.
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Rewritten Article
Man Sentenced to Life for Ex-Wife's Murder at Son's Grave in Hampshire
In a harrowing case that has shocked the Hampshire community, Martin Suter, 68, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his ex-wife, Ann Blackwood, at their son's grave. The tragic incident unfolded on July 24, 2023, at Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington, where Suter lay in wait for five hours before launching a brutal attack on Blackwood, 71, on what would have been their late son's 36th birthday.
Details of the Crime
According to the Portsmouth Crown Court, Suter, a resident of Lee-on-the-Solent, ambushed Blackwood as she arrived on a bicycle to visit their son's grave. Armed with a 12-inch kitchen knife, Suter stabbed her repeatedly. When the knife broke, he continued the assault with a pair of scissors Blackwood had brought to trim flowers for the grave. Suter then called emergency services from the scene, confessing to the murder and blaming Blackwood for their son's death in 2003, which had been ruled accidental by a coroner.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Michael Bowes KC described the murder as a "dreadful crime" and sentenced Suter to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 27 years and 230 days. The court also addressed a separate charge of indecent assault on a minor, for which Suter received an additional four-month sentence. Despite the gravity of the charges, Suter showed little emotion during the proceedings.
Impact on the Family
The murder has left a profound impact on Blackwood's family and friends. Her brother, John Blackwood, expressed the family's devastation, highlighting Ann's role as the "hub of the family" and a beloved community member. Catherine Jay, a close friend, paid tribute to Blackwood as a "loyal friend, devoted mother, and vibrant presence."
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Scenario Analysis
The sentencing of Martin Suter brings a measure of closure to a case that has deeply affected the Hampshire community. However, the emotional scars left on Blackwood's family and friends are likely to endure. The case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues proactively. Legal experts suggest that this case may prompt further discussions on the handling of domestic violence cases and the support systems available to victims and their families. As the community grapples with the aftermath, there may be increased advocacy for preventive measures and resources to aid those affected by similar tragedies.
In a harrowing case that has shocked the Hampshire community, Martin Suter, 68, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his ex-wife, Ann Blackwood, at their son's grave. The tragic incident unfolded on July 24, 2023, at Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington, where Suter lay in wait for five hours before launching a brutal attack on Blackwood, 71, on what would have been their late son's 36th birthday.
Details of the Crime
According to the Portsmouth Crown Court, Suter, a resident of Lee-on-the-Solent, ambushed Blackwood as she arrived on a bicycle to visit their son's grave. Armed with a 12-inch kitchen knife, Suter stabbed her repeatedly. When the knife broke, he continued the assault with a pair of scissors Blackwood had brought to trim flowers for the grave. Suter then called emergency services from the scene, confessing to the murder and blaming Blackwood for their son's death in 2003, which had been ruled accidental by a coroner.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Michael Bowes KC described the murder as a "dreadful crime" and sentenced Suter to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 27 years and 230 days. The court also addressed a separate charge of indecent assault on a minor, for which Suter received an additional four-month sentence. Despite the gravity of the charges, Suter showed little emotion during the proceedings.
Impact on the Family
The murder has left a profound impact on Blackwood's family and friends. Her brother, John Blackwood, expressed the family's devastation, highlighting Ann's role as the "hub of the family" and a beloved community member. Catherine Jay, a close friend, paid tribute to Blackwood as a "loyal friend, devoted mother, and vibrant presence."
What this might mean
The sentencing of Martin Suter brings a measure of closure to a case that has deeply affected the Hampshire community. However, the emotional scars left on Blackwood's family and friends are likely to endure. The case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues proactively. Legal experts suggest that this case may prompt further discussions on the handling of domestic violence cases and the support systems available to victims and their families. As the community grapples with the aftermath, there may be increased advocacy for preventive measures and resources to aid those affected by similar tragedies.
