Man Receives Life Sentence for Killing Estranged Wife
Michael Thompson, 56, from Northampton, has been sentenced to life in prison after a court found him guilty of raping and murdering his estranged wife, Kimberley Thompson.
The court heard that Thompson tried to make Kimberley’s death appear like a suicide by creating a false scene at their home in Pinewood Road, Northampton.
Judge Nirmal Shant KC sentenced Thompson to a minimum of 33 years in prison. The judge said his decision to avoid the sentencing hearing showed a lack of respect and described his actions as an extreme act of cowardice.
Murder Followed Years of Domestic Abuse
Kimberley Thompson, 43, was killed in August 2025 while divorce proceedings between the couple were underway. The pair had been married for 19 years and had two children.
During the trial, the court heard that Thompson had subjected Kimberley to years of domestic abuse. This included controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, and physical violence.
Investigators found that Thompson recorded hundreds of hours of footage involving Kimberley before he killed her at their home between midnight and 03:30 BST on 9 August.
Court Rejects Claim of Suicide
During the six week trial, Thompson claimed that he and Kimberley had consensual sex before he later discovered her lifeless body surrounded by tablets and alcohol bottles.
However, Kimberley’s family and friends raised concerns about the circumstances of her death. They told police that they did not believe she had taken her own life.
A post mortem examination found no alcohol in Kimberley’s body. Experts also found only small amounts of caffeine, paracetamol, and codeine.
The investigation later confirmed that Thompson staged the scene to hide the truth behind her death.
Kimberley Remembered as a Dedicated Sports Coach
Friends and members of Northampton Basketball Club remembered Kimberley as a caring and positive person.
Martin Spencer from the club said she was dedicated to basketball and always encouraged young players to improve their skills and confidence.
Kimberley played an important role in supporting children and helping them develop their talent in the sport.
Court Finds Thompson Guilty
Thompson was also convicted of two charges related to attempts to interfere with justice.
Judge Shant said Thompson showed no remorse for his actions. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the crime and the impact on Kimberley’s family and loved ones.
