Thug, 41, who strangled his disabled partner, 50, with a dog lead and left her body to be found two days later by her son is jailed for life

• Mathew Hyde killed Sara Bateman whilst acting as paid carer in Wolverhampton 
• Launched the savage attack on March 28 following a row in her flat
• Pleaded guilty to the murder and will now serve a minimum term of 16 years 

A carer who strangled his disabled partner to death with a dog lead has been jailed for life.

Mathew Hyde was supposed to be Sara Bateman’s companion, but killed the 50-year-old and left her body to be discovered by her son two days later.

The 41-year-old launched the savage attack on March 28, following a row, which culminated in him strangling her to death.

Mr Hyde, of Willenhall, West Midlands, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to the murder of the 50-year-old in March. He will serve a minimum term of 16 years.

Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, of West Midlands CID, said: ‘Sara was a vulnerable lady whose life was impacted by disability.

Mathew Hyde was supposed to be Sara Bateman’s companion, but killed the 50-year-old and left her body to be discovered by her son two days later

Mr Hyde had moved into Sara Bateman’s flat in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, to help with her day-to-day needs shortly after meeting her

‘Hyde had volunteered himself as her carer, only to abuse that trust in the most deplorable way, viciously attacking her in what should have been the safety of her own home.’

Mr Hyde had moved into Ms Bateman’s flat in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, to help with her day-to-day needs shortly after meeting her.

He fled from the scene shortly after the attack, leaving Ms Bateman with facial injuries, bruising and a dog lead around her neck.

Detectives quickly identified Mr Hyde as a suspect and arrested him within hours at a nearby address.

Sara’s heartbroken family paid tribute to her following Hyde’s arrest.

In a statement, the bereaved family said: ‘On that day not only was our loving mum, sister and nan’s life taken, but ours was too.

‘Nothing breaks our hearts more than having a world that no longer has her in it.’

DI Barnes added: ‘Sara ought to have felt secure in Hyde’s company.

‘Instead, she fell victim to his violence.

‘The manner in which Hyde fled the scene knowing that Sara would be found by her own son is inexcusably cruel.

‘He took her life and left her family devastated.

‘Although no sentence will reduce their pain, we hope that the justice served against Hyde will allow Sara’s family to move forward.’

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