Man admits 'appalling' murder of partner in Aberdeen

Jacqueline Kerr was found dead in Aberdeen

A man has admitted the "appalling" murder of his 54-year-old partner in Aberdeen.

Jacqueline Kerr, a support worker for children with learning difficulties, was found dead in her Sunnyside Road home in January.

Christopher Cook, 44, admitted her murder when he appeared at the High Court in Aberdeen.

Judge Lord Weir, deferring sentence, described it as an "appalling outbreak of lethal violence".

She had suffered head injuries consistent with a car crash or a fall from height.

Cook, who was on bail at the time of the attack, has previously been accused of domestic assault relating to the victim in June last year.

It is understood he was on bail for an allegation of assault on the victim.

Christopher Cook admitted murder

Advocate depute Shanti Maguire, prosecuting, said Cook had faced a charge of domestic assault alleging he attacked the deceased in June 2022 in her home.

The court heard the case was not brought to a conclusion.

She said the accused and the victim had an "on-off relationship" since March 2022 after they met on a night out.

The victim had said at one stage she was "getting scared now" and would have to watch her back to stay safe.

Her body was discovered by police on her bedroom floor.

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She had significant face and head injuries, and hair clumps were found scattered around the property.

After the fatal attack, Cook sent a former partner a message which said: "I have killed her. She attacked me and I Iost it. I really messed up this time."

After being detained, he was then charged with domestic abuse and murder.

The victim was found in Sunnyside Road

Lord Weir said it was a "harrowing" case and deferred sentence until next month for background reports.

Her family said in a statement: "Jacqueline was the light of our lives, she was so loved by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her."

They added: "The day our sister's life was taken was the day part of our lives were taken too. We will never truly heal from the pain. We have young grandkids asking where their aunt is.

"Those who Jacqueline worked with and supported, unable to understand why she no longer comes to work. We wouldn't wish this on anybody.

"Thank you to all those involved in the investigation."

Det Insp James Callander, of Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team, said: "Jacqueline Kerr was subjected to a brutal attack in her own home by Christopher Cook.

"He has now admitted responsibility for his violent behaviour, which resulted in the death of Jacqueline.

"While it cannot change what happened, I hope this outcome in court leads to some closure for Jacqueline's family."