Man admits 'brutal' killing of girlfriend's mother

Wendy Francis was called "one in a million" in a tribute given by family days after her death

A man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his girlfriend's mother and the attempted murder of his girlfriend.

Damian Homer, 50, killed 61-year-old Wendy Francis in a "brutal knife attack", police said.

Homer, of Haresfield Close in Worcester, also caused serious injuries to his 38-year-old partner, Stacey Hill.

He appeared at Worcester Crown Court via videolink from HMP Hewell and was told by a judge that he would be facing a mandatory life sentence with the minimum term yet to be determined.

The attack happened at a house on Haresfield Close in Worcester at about 20:30 GMT on 2 March, said West Mercia Police.

Det Ch Insp Leighton Harding said: “I’m pleased that Homer has pleaded guilty today so that the victims and families do not have to relive this nightmare in court.

“This was a horrific and brutal attack which has caused lifelong trauma for those involved.

“I’d like to commend Wendy’s family and his second victim for the immense courage and composure they have shown since the incident and throughout court proceedings.”

Wendy Francis died at an address in Haresfield Close in March

Ms Francis' family paid tribute to her the day after her death, describing her as "much loved" and "one in a million".

Judge Rupert Mayo told the court he was "not prepared to pass sentence for an offence as grave as this on the videolink."

He said: "However expedient that might be, it's wrong. He needs to be here."

Previous sentence

Addressing Homer directly, the judge said the sentencing would be carried out by 27 August.

He added: "There is only one sentence I can pass and that's one of life imprisonment. I have to decide the minimum term before you can be considered for parole.

"I will decide that at the later date when I have had a chance to read all of the documents that have been provided to the court, including the psychiatric report."

Homer is known to have previously received a suspended prison sentence for an assault on Ms Hill committed in June 2020, which left her with a chipped tooth and a cut above her eye.

Homer has been remanded in custody.