Man Who Hid Wife’s Body in Freezer Jailed for Life

David Barraclough, 46, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his wife, Carolann Barraclough, and concealing her body in a chest freezer at their family home in Horbury, near Wakefield. After the killing, he spent around two weeks telling relatives and friends that she was in hospital recovering from an illness, even sending messages from her phone to make them believe she was still alive.

Murder Followed by a Calculated Cover-Up

David Barraclough murdered Carolann Barraclough, a mother of three, at the family home in February 2026.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Carolann was killed sometime between 19 and 21 February. Following her death, Barraclough tied up her body and placed it inside a freezer in the utility room of the property.

Rather than telling her family what had happened, he repeatedly claimed that his wife was in hospital receiving treatment and that he was the only person permitted to visit her.

He also used Carolann’s phone to send messages suggesting she was recovering and would soon return home. Meanwhile, he prevented the children from entering the room where the freezer was kept.

The deception continued for approximately two weeks, leaving relatives and friends believing Carolann was still alive.

On 5 March, Barraclough went to Normanton Police Station and told a receptionist: “I've killed my wife.”

Police officers subsequently attended the family home, where they discovered Carolann’s body inside the freezer.

Life Sentence with a Minimum Term of 22 Years

Barraclough pleaded guilty to murder on the first day of his trial. He later refused to attend court for sentencing.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 22 years and one month before he can be considered for release on licence.

The sentence reflects the seriousness of the murder and the circumstances surrounding the concealment of Carolann’s body.

A life sentence does not guarantee release after the minimum term. Any future release would depend on the relevant legal process and risk assessments.

Prosecutors Challenge His Account

The Crown Prosecution Service said evidence showed Barraclough continued with aspects of his ordinary life after the killing.

This included visiting pubs, withdrawing substantial amounts of cash from a joint bank account and downloading the dating app Tinder just two days after his wife’s death.

Barraclough later claimed he had acted in self-defence after being struck with a hammer. He also described himself as “heartbroken”, “in a haze” and “confused”.

However, prosecutors challenged his account, pointing to CCTV footage that showed no visible injuries.

Jill May, senior crown prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said Barraclough had hidden Carolann’s body in the home she shared with her children and repeatedly lied to relatives and friends, pretending she was alive and recovering in hospital.

Daughter Praised for Her Courage

The Crown Prosecution Service praised Carolann’s eldest daughter for the courage she showed in providing evidence during the case.

Her evidence formed part of proceedings in which the family’s experience of Barraclough’s deception was brought before the court.

The case has highlighted the additional distress caused to a victim’s family when a killing is followed by an extended attempt to conceal the truth.

The Daily Round-Up Says

The murder of Carolann Barraclough is a devastating case involving not only the loss of a mother of three but also a prolonged deception that left her family believing she was alive and receiving medical treatment.

The life sentence imposed on David Barraclough reflects the gravity of his crime. The minimum term of 22 years and one month means he cannot be considered for release on licence before serving that period, subject to the applicable legal rules.

Behind the court proceedings is a family left to deal with the loss of a loved one and the shock of discovering what had happened. Carolann’s eldest daughter deserves recognition for the courage she showed in giving evidence.

Our thoughts are with Carolann’s children and all those affected by her death.