Abi Fisher: Killer husband, Matthew Fisher, jailed for life after murdering teacher and new mum

Matthew Fisher, aged 30, attacked his wife and the mother of his daughter, Abi, 29, in their home in Castleford, before leaving their six-month-old baby, Sydney, alone at home to dump her body in Barnsley. After reporting his wife missing to police and posting on Facebook to ask if anyone had seen her, a huge search involving police, friends, family and the local community began. Abi’s body was found in undergrowth off Southmoor Road, near Brierley.

Police uncovered Fisher’s lies after they tracked his car along the long journey to South Yorkshire using ANPR cameras and his mobile phone signal. He had initially claimed he was asleep when his car was on the move, but his fingerprints were found on gaffer tape near to where his wife’s body was found.

Fisher had driven his car, with his wife’s body inside, through Lancashire and Derbyshire, before arriving in South Yorkshire. He had left their ‘miracle’ daughter, born through IVF, alone at home. Sydney had Covid-19 at the time.

Abi had been strangled and had injuries to her face, head and body, suggesting she had been beaten. Evidence from Abi’s devices found she had made recent internet searches, asking “why does my husband hate me?” and “is marraige counselling available on the NHS?”.

Fisher initially said he had no recollection of what had happened. He later admitted the couple had argued on the night of her death, claiming she had hit her head on a picture frame. He said she "lost it" and he then smothered her, but could not recall for how long.

Tensions had developed in the couple's marriage since the birth of their daughter, who was christened just days before Ms Fisher's murder, Leeds Crown Court heard. He said the argument happened after his wife had threatened to leave him.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC said: "You have left your little daughter without any parent to care for her. By your actions you have taken one life and left the lives of so many others in tatters."

Fisher was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 15 years,