A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his 77-year-old grandmother-in-law, who managed to identify him as her attacker with her final words before losing consciousness.
Brutal Attack and Heroic Identification
Adam David Wright, aged 39, carried out a horrific attack on June Henty at her home in Wickham, Hampshire, just before Christmas last year. The elderly woman suffered more than 100 stab wounds to her head and neck during the vicious assault that would ultimately claim her life.
Police discovered the victim on December 23, 2023, in a critical condition with catastrophic injuries. Despite her severe wounds, June Henty demonstrated incredible strength by managing to identify her attacker to responding officers before slipping into unconsciousness.
Medical examinations revealed the victim suffered haemorrhages from major blood vessels in her head and neck, along with a brain bleed. She was rushed to hospital where she fought for her life in intensive care for six months before succumbing to her injuries on June 14, 2024.
Justice Served After Tragic Loss
Wright was arrested on the same day as the attack and initially charged with attempted murder. The charge was upgraded to murder following June's death six months later. The defendant, formerly of Grovers Field in Bishops Waltham, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday where he had previously pleaded guilty to murder.
The court handed down a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years before parole consideration. The sentencing brings some closure to a case that shocked the local community and devastated a family.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
June's family paid an emotional tribute to their 'kind and loving' mother and grandmother, describing her as the heart of their family. In a statement, they said: 'Our beautiful mum June was brutally taken away from us and as a family we are heartbroken. She was a kind and loving lady who always put her family first.'
The family remembered June as someone who enjoyed life to the fullest and cherished time with family and friends. They described her as 'a pillar of strength' who stood up for her beliefs even during difficult times.
'Our lives will now never be the same without her,' the family continued. 'Even though there has been some justice today, it will never be enough. She was our world and we were hers. We have lost the heart of our family and we feel broken without her.'
Police Acknowledge Victim's Courage
DI Tim Judd, the Senior Investigating Officer on the case, praised June's bravery in helping identify her attacker despite her devastating injuries. 'This result comes from the tragic loss of June Henty,' he stated. 'She had done nothing to deserve the abhorrent violence she endured that morning, and my thoughts remain with her family.'
The detective highlighted how June's determination to identify Wright while fighting for her life proved crucial to the investigation. 'June fought for six months, and thanks to her we were able to identify her attacker as Adam Wright,' DI Judd acknowledged.
While acknowledging that no sentence could bring June back, the investigating officer expressed hope that the conviction would provide some measure of closure for the grieving family. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the lasting impact of violent crime on families and communities.
