Aldwick Man Admits Murdering His Wife

A man has admitted murdering his 84-year-old wife at their home in Aldwick.

Michael Pyke, 79, pleaded guilty at Brighton Crown Court on Monday (October 19).

Emergency services were called to the property in Langley Grove on May 31 after concerns were raised about the welfare of Beryl Pyke.

Officers entered the home and found her dead, with significant injuries to her head and chest.

Michael Pyke was arrested at the scene. A subsequent search of the property uncovered bloodstained clothing in a laundry basket and the knife used in the attack, which had been hidden in a bedside cabinet.

He was charged with Beryl's murder on June 2 and remanded in custody.

Pyke has now been remanded back into custody ahead of his sentencing on Friday, November 13.

Detective Superintendent Colin Garman said Beryl's death had left a lasting impact on everyone who knew and loved her.

He said her home should have been a place where she was safe, adding that her guilty plea brought some clarity but could not undo the devastation caused to her family and friends.

He paid tribute to their strength and resilience throughout the case.