A 68-year-old man has admitted murdering his former wife at a cemetery beside their son’s grave on what would have been the boy’s birthday, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.
Martin Suter, of Portsmouth Road, Lee-on-the-Solent, entered a guilty plea to the murder of Ann Blackwood, 71, described as a “loving, caring, kind-hearted” mother.
The defendant admitted the charge after a jury had been sworn in for his trial on 30th May last year. A reporting restriction which had temporarily prevented publication of his guilty plea has now been lifted by the judge.
Ms Blackwood was declared dead by paramedics following an assault at Crofton Cemetery on Lychgate Green, Stubbington, on Monday, 24th July. The tragic attack occurred exactly 20 years after their 16-year-old son Christopher had died in 2003.
Suter continues to be held in custody ahead of sentencing on 3rd October. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 25th September.
The victim’s family, who lived in Lee-on-the-Solent, previously issued a statement through Hampshire Police saying: “Her daughter, brothers, their families and all her friends are absolutely devastated by the loss of Ann Blackwood.
“A loving, caring, kind-hearted mother and friend who was very popular in her local community, she was enjoying her retirement with an active lifestyle which included tennis, sailing, cycling and music.”
Hampshire Police had previously confirmed: “A man has been charged with murder by detectives investigating the death of a 71-year-old woman at Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington on Monday 24 July.
“We were called to Lychgate Green at 3.47pm after the woman, who we can now name as Ann Blackwood from Lee-on-the-Solent, had been assaulted in the cemetery.
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“She was treated initially by police officers and our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
“Following a thorough investigation Martin Suter of Portsmouth Road in Lee-on-the-Solent has been charged with murder.”
Suter, previously a Green Party member and council election candidate, had stood for the East Bramhall ward near Stockport on three occasions, securing 331 votes and finishing fourth in 2022. He was also an active member of St Faith’s Church in Lee-on-the-Solent.
