Abi Fisher murder: Yorkshire teacher's husband, 29, sentenced to life for killing her and dumping her body in woodland

New mother Abi, who had a baby daughter with Matthew Fisher, was 29 when she was reported missing from the family home in Castleford in July by her husband.

Yet it was Matthew Fisher, also 29, who had killed his wife and dumped her body in woodland in Brierley, near Barnsley, where it was found two days later.

Abi, whose maiden name was Richardson, taught year three at Featherstone All Saints C of E Academy and was described by colleagues as a ‘wonderful person’ who was passionate about science.

A coroner gave the cause of her death as strangulation and Leeds Crown Court heard today that she had been subjected to ‘multiple blows’ to her head and face.

West Yorkshire Police said: “Matthew Fisher initially told officers that he had last seen Abi on the evening of 8 July and had awoken to find her missing on the morning of 9 July. He then reported Abi missing to police. However, investigations showed that he had travelled to the area where Abi’s body was later found during the time he claimed to have been in bed.

“A post-mortem examination concluded that she had died as a result of strangulation. She also had soft tissue injuries to her head, torso, back and arms. Matthew Fisher subsequently admitted that he had smothered her with an item of clothing and transported her body to where it was later found by police, leaving their daughter at home while he did this.

Detective Inspector Amanda Wimbles added: “Abi was someone who was loved by many, and this was a horrendous crime that understandably shocked and devastated the local community. Matthew Fisher’s actions that day have ensured that their young daughter will now grow up without either parent.

“I hope that the swift justice and custodial sentence that Matthew Fisher has been given provides some comfort to Abi’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with their loss.

“I would now ask for sensitivity and privacy on behalf of Abi’s family as they focus on raising Abi’s much-loved daughter.”

Statement released on behalf of Abi’s parents Michael and Andrea Richardson and brother Nathan Richardson

“We are extremely grateful to West Yorkshire Police for their hard work and dedication in finding Abi’s body so quickly and in gathering enough evidence that Matthew Fisher could be charged speedily.

“It has been a terrible time for the family and they would like to praise their Police Family Liaison Officers for their kindness and understanding and for keeping us informed of developments in the case in such a timely manner. They have been very supportive throughout this whole ordeal.

“We would like to thank all the court staff for ensuring the smooth running of the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel and his staff for their roles and the Judge for showing consideration for all the people who attended court today.

“Finally we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the police who searched for Abi, our friends and family and to all the people from Castleford and surrounding areas who spent hours and hours searching for our baby girl. You have no idea what it means to us as a family to know so many people cared enough to spend their time looking for her.”