Retired businessman, 80, admits murdering his 77-year-old wife after both were pulled from burning car
A wealthy retired businessman today admitted the murder of his wife found in their burning car at the side of the road after more than 50 years married.
Father-of-four David Clarke, 80, and wife Helen, 77, lived in their dream seaside bungalow – but both were pulled from the vehicle after emergency services were called to the burning car last September.
The two grandparents seemed like a dream couple sharing a £650,000 beauty spot cottage on the Gower Peninsula.
But a court heard he will likely die in prison because of his age and the mandatory life sentence for murder.
The couple had been married for 53 years and had four children together including his son, also called David, who previously lived next door.
David Clarke, 80, and wife Helen, 77, were both pulled from the vehicle after emergency services were called to the burning car last September on Sketty Lane, Swansea
Helen Clarke died from her injuries two days after the horror car blaze – which happened on a Friday morning on Sketty Lane, Swansea
Helen was treated by burns specialists but died from her injuries two days after the horror blaze.
Clarke appeared via videolink from a prison medical wing where he had his head and arm heavily wrapped in bandages.
The former company director admitted the single charge of murder at Swansea Crown Court following the blaze in September.
His sentence was adjourned until February next year, but Clarke was told he would spend life in jail and is likely never to be released due to his age.
Judge Paul Thomas KC said: ‘Mr Clarke will have already been told there is that there can only one sentence available and that is one of life imprisonment.’
Clarke, of Langland, was remanded in custody to be sentenced later once the judge has considered a minimum tariff.
Zimbabwe-born Clarke moved to the UK in the 1960s to Wolverhampton eventually setting in the Gower Peninsula.
He and wife Helen shared a home in Higher Lane, Langland, less than a mile from where Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas live when in Wales.
His son, also called David, previously owned the property next door along with wife Shelley who runs a ballet school in neighbouring Mumbles.
Police, firefighters, and paramedics were called to the burning Honda Jazz in Sketty, Swansea, on September 22 and the couple were pulled from the car.
In a tribute at the time of her death, Helen’s family said they wanted to ensure ‘responsible parties are sound of mind and held accountable’.
A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: ‘A man has been charged with murder following an incident on Sketty Lane, Swansea, on Friday morning, 22nd September.
‘South Wales Police was called just after 8.20am by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to a report of a black Honda Jazz car on fire.
‘Emergency services attended and a man and woman were taken to hospital with burns.
Police, firefighters and paramedics at the scene of the burning Honda Jazz in Swansea where the couple were pulled from the car
’77-year-old Helen Clarke died on Sunday evening, 24th September, in Morriston Hospital. Her family are being supported by specialist officers.
’80-year-old David Clarke has been charged with murder.’
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Helen’s family at this incredibly painful time. Detectives continue to work alongside other specialists to understand the full circumstances behind this incident.’
Helen’s family said: ‘Our families are trying to come to terms with the tragic passing of a mother, grandmother, and friend in un-characteristic circumstances.
‘We are working with the police to ensure that responsible parties are sound of mind and held accountable.
‘We request that we are given the privacy to deal with this tragedy as a family.’
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