Pensioner, 71, who fatally stabbed his wife at holiday park is jailed

29 February 2024 , 18:12

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Simon Steeves (Image: PA)

A 71-year-old man who murdered his wife at a holiday park in Somerset has been jailed for more than 14 years.

Simon Steeves, from Brean, previously pleaded guilty to killing his wife Denise Steeves, 59, at their home in Diamond Meadow Lodge Park, on Weston Road, on October 25 last year. Avon and Somerset Police said Steeves was jailed for 14 years and two months at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday. The force described how Steeves stabbed his wife, then called 999 and told police that he had murdered her.

Officers attended the property and performed CPR on Mrs Steeves until paramedics arrived but she died at the scene despite their efforts. Steeves was arrested at the scene and charged with murder the following day.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Neil Meade from Avon and Somerset Police said: “I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Denise’s family and loved ones after she was so suddenly taken away from them. Steeves admitted in interview to fatally stabbing his wife, but said he had no recollection of picking up the knife. While no prison sentence will bring Denise back, I only hope this has given Denise’s loved ones some closure as they continue to navigate life without her.”

The Diamond Meadow Lodge caravan park in Brean (SWNS)

The detective praised the “brilliant work” of police during the investigation, as well as witnesses and residents in Diamond Meadow Lodge Park for their support. A full statement from Avon and Somerset Police read: "A 71-year-old man who murdered his wife at their home in Brean has been jailed. Simon Steeves, from Brean, pleaded guilty to killing his wife, 59-year-old Denise Steeves, at their home in Diamond Meadow Lodge Park, in Weston Road, on 25 October last year.

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"At Bristol Crown Court today (Thursday 29 February), Steeves was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years and two months. This was then reduced to 13 years and 300 days due to the time he has already served on remand since his arrest. The court heard how the defendant had stabbed his wife and then called 999 and told police he had murdered her.

"The first officers on the scene performed CPR on Denise until paramedics arrived but, despite their best efforts, she tragically died at the scene. Steeves was arrested at the scene and charged the following day."

Tim Hanlon