Former detective sentenced after pleading guilty to partner's murder

26/06/2012

A former detective has today (Tuesday 26 June 2012) pleaded guilty to the murder of his partner and been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Peter Foster appeared at Lewes Crown Court today, charged with the murder of Heather Cooper in October 2011.  Heather Cooper was a serving police officer with the Surrey Police at the time of her murder. The judge, HHJ Brown, recommended that he should serve a minimum term of 17 years.

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Portia Ragnauth said: "His guilty plea saves Heather's family and friends from the trauma of having to give evidence at a full trial. I hope that today's conviction will bring them some comfort after a period of great stress and uncertainty since these tragic events unfolded. In particular, our thoughts go out to Heather's two young children."