A butcher who strangled his wife at their home after discovering she was having an affair has been jailed.

Phillip Gyde was found guilty of murder by a jury at Stafford Crown Court on Friday, following a two-week trial, Staffordshire Police said.

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years.

The 59-year-old attacked his wife of 18 years Susan in the bathroom at the couple’s house in St Chad’s Road, Burton upon Trent, at about 9pm on September 9 last year.

He rang his sister-in-law 50 minutes later and said: “I’ve strangled her.”

Police arrived a short time later and Mrs Gyde, 52, was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

In interview, Gyde – who had admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder – told police how he had strangled his “small and not very strong” wife.

Gyde had confronted her about an extramarital affair a month earlier after finding explicit messages and photos on her tablet.

The couple remained living together but Gyde “saw red” after discovering his wife was still sending explicit images.

After killing his spouse, he sent her lover a text message saying: “If I can’t have her, you can’t either. She’s dead.”

When police arrived he told them “I just cracked” before leading officers calmly to her body.

Court stock
Gyde was jailed at Stafford Crown Court (David Jones/PA)

Following sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Everett said: “Following the breakdown of their marriage, Phillip Gyde became jealous of his wife and following an argument over messages between her and another man, he reacted violently, resulting in fatal consequences.

“Although today’s outcome will never make up for this loss, I hope Susan’s family can now start to rebuild their lives.”

The victim’s family said: “We feel that some of the evidence presented during the trial portrayed Sue as being promiscuous.

“In truth, anyone who knew Sue will know that in fact she was a very caring, thoughtful and loyal person.

“She was a loving and devoted mother who absolutely adored her son. Her loss has left a huge gap in all our lives.”

They added: “It’s incredibly sad that she will miss seeing her son grow up and he will not have his mum’s wisdom and love to guide him through his life.

“That is one of the most difficult things for us to come to terms with.”