Rotherham 'white spirit' killer jailed

A HUSBAND has been jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of his wife.

Stephen Eastwood (55), who denied deliberately pouring white spirit over Angela Eastwood and setting her alight, was found not guilty of murder after a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Police officers were called to the couple’s on Sycamore Drive, Thurcroft, at 1.50am on December 28 last year after Mrs Eastwood sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital.

Det Insp Lea Jackson said afterwards: “This has been an incredibly difficult investigation, as is any offence that occurs behind closed doors.

“Angela Eastwood suffered appalling injuries that later led to her death.

“South Yorkshire Police would like to encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic violence to come forward and report it as early as possible so that all reports can be dealt with and investigated quickly. “We do not want any domestic violence incidents to escalate to one as serious as this, where we have the tragic death of a woman.

“Throughout the trial the defendant showed absolutely no remorse whatsoever and this has been reflected in the sentence.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the family for their help and support throughout the investigation during this very difficult time.”