Postman who stabbed his spouse 68 occasions is convicted of her homicide

A postman who stabbed his wife at least 68 times then left his wedding ring next to her lifeless body has today been convicted of her murder for a second time. 

Harry Turner, 55, brutally knifed Sally Turner and slashed her throat after finding out she was still seeing her taxi driver lover. 

He was jailed for life last February for the barbaric murder in 2022 but his conviction was then overturned by the Court of Appeal.

After a retrial at Newcastle Crown Court Turner has now been convicted of her murder for a second time and faces life behind bars.

Jurors heard Mrs Turner, 50, had started an affair with a taxi driver when her marriage to Turner began to break down in early 2022 and they ‘each encouraged the other’ to spend time with other people.

Postman Harry Turner, 55, brutally stabbed his wife at least 68 times then left his wedding ring next to her lifeless body

A post-mortem examination found Sally Turner had stab wounds to her face, neck and torso and had 78 wounds on her body 

The court heard that in June that year the relationship between the husband and wife seemed to improve and Mrs Turner told her husband she was committed to him and looking forward to their future together.

Prosecutor Craig Hassall KC told the court when postal worker Turner found out his wife was still seeing the taxi driver it was the likely ‘trigger’ for him to stab her to death.

Turner, of no fixed address, admitted manslaughter on the basis of loss of control but denied murder.

Jurors found him guilty after just three hours deliberation this morning.

Mrs Justice Lambert will sentence him tomorrow.

Mr Hassall told jurors that on June 22 2022 the husband and wife had gone to a cafe together then returned to Cuthbert Avenue in Durham, where Turner was staying.

Jurors heard Mrs Turner had received a sexual message from the taxi driver that same day.

Mr Hassall said: ‘A little before 11am, Harry stabbed Sally to death.

‘A post-mortem examination of Sally’s body revealed that her death had been caused by stab wounds to her face, neck and torso. No fewer than 78 wounds had been caused by at least 68 separate blows with a knife or knives.

‘Two of those blows had fractured or otherwise damaged Sally’s bones and must therefore have been inflicted with severe force.

‘Damage to Sally’s jugular vein, trachea, lungs, spleen and kidney had led to fatal blood loss. A slash wound across Sally’s throat occurred at or near the end of his attack on her.’

The court heard an examination of the house revealed Mrs Turner had first been attacked in the living room and the violence continued as she fled into the hallway and towards the front door.

Mr Hassall added: ‘A blood-stained knife, the blade of which had been bent by impact with a hard object was found in the kitchen. A second knife which had also been used to stab Sally was found underneath her body.

Prosecutor Craig Hassall KC told the court when postal worker Turner found out his wife was still seeing the taxi driver it was the likely ‘trigger’ for him to stab her to death (Turner pictured here being arrested by officers)

‘Harry had left his wedding ring on the floor beside Sally’s body.’

Mr Hassall told jurors a ‘likely trigger’ for Turner’s loss of control was him finding out about his wife’s ‘continued infidelity’ with the taxi driver.

In a statement following the verdict, Sally’s family said: ‘The level of barbarity and callous actions inflicted upon Sally has robbed our children and grandchildren of their mother and grandmother and all their lives will be changed forever.

‘The outcome is exactly what the family hoped for and today we have seen justice served.

‘We would like to thank Durham Police and the prosecution team for their swift response and hard work to finally bring this case to a close.

‘We would also like to thank family liaison officer Detective Constable Helen Hudson who has gone above and beyond with the task of keeping the family informed and supported which was made difficult by the distances involved.

‘All our lives have been affected by this and we will forever remember Sally.

‘May she rest in peace.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, from Durham Constabulary, led the investigation. He said: ‘This was a horrific attack with an extreme level of violence.

‘Harry Turner carried out a brutal attack on his own wife.

‘Sally’s family have shown tremendous strength and dignity throughout the whole investigation and throughout the long delays caused by having to experience two trials.

‘This is an extreme example of violence against women which Durham Constabulary are fully committed to combatting by working closely with other agencies and members of our communities.

‘We encourage anyone concerned about domestic abuse or coercive and controlling behaviour to report the matter to the police or seek appropriate professional support.’