A 50-year-old man has been handed a life sentence for the murder of his partner, Frances Dwyer, in a chilling case that has left a Birmingham family devastated. Anthony Hoey was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to the brutal stabbing of Frances at her Tile Cross home on 30 March last year.
The court heard how Hoey stabbed Frances more than a dozen times in the early hours of the morning before fleeing the scene in her car, which had been reported stolen a week earlier. Police pursued Hoey, and the vehicle was eventually brought to a stop using a stinger device. Hoey was Tasered and detained after falsely claiming to be armed with a gun. Officers later discovered Frances’ lifeless body at her home.
On 6 February, Hoey admitted to the murder of Frances, as well as two counts of theft, aggravated vehicle taking, and dangerous driving. On Wednesday, 5 March, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years before parole consideration.
In a heartfelt tribute, Frances’ family expressed their grief and relief at the sentencing. They said, “No amount of time will be justice for what happened to our mom and daughter. It’s almost a year since that monster took her life, and it still hurts us every single day. We finally have some closure today, as we see that man be sentenced. We can finally grieve in peace without the stress of court dates and what’s going to happen.”
The family also thanked those who supported them during the ordeal and shared a poignant message to Frances: “You are always in our hearts and thought about every single day. A piece of us will always be missing, but we know you’re watching over us and keeping us safe.”
Detectives involved in the case praised the family’s courage throughout the investigation and trial. The sentencing brings an end to a harrowing chapter for Frances’ loved ones, who continue to mourn the loss of a beloved mother and daughter.