Ian Workman found guilty of murder of ex-wife

19/12/2011

Ian Workman, a car dealer from Lancashire, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of the murder of his ex-wife.

He stabbed his former wife once in the chest during an argument over their divorce settlement in April.

He then cut himself in the stomach and claimed his ex-wife had attacked him. He was convicted after trial at Preston Crown Court, was jailed for life and was ordered to serve at least 17-and-a-half years.

The court heard that on the day Mrs Workman was killed  Ian Workman had gone to her house where they had argued before Mr Workman went upstairs to collect some belongings.

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ian Rushton said: "Ian Workman killed his ex-wife out of pure greed and anger because of the financial proceedings in their divorce.  This was a complex and difficult investigation and prosecution, but by working with the police to meticulously piece together the evidence we were able to demonstrate to the jury Ian Workman's controlling nature, his motive for killing her and his violent state of mind on that day.  His defence, that the fatal stabbing was self inflicted by Susan Workman during a struggle after she attacked him, was an outright lie, which the jury by their guilty verdict today have rejected. 

"I am pleased that justice has been done in this case. Ian Workman today begins a life sentence for a terrible murder that not only robbed Susan Workman of her life but has completely devastated her family and friends.  I hope this outcome will help them in the process of coming to terms with their loss."

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