Matthew Fisher, 30, strangled primary school teacher Abby Fisher, 29, at their home in Walton Park Road, Castleford, West Yorkshire, in July. Leeds Crown Court heard he then left their six-month-old daughter Sydney, who had Covid-19 at the time, packed his wife’s body into his car and made a long drive through Lancashire and Derbyshire to South Yorkshire , where he dumped her body. After her murder, he called the police on July 9 to say that his wife had disappeared without a trace. She posted a message on Facebook saying: “Has anyone seen Abi? If you have, can you let me know or ask her to give me a ring.” Abby Fisher had baptized her daughter, Sydney, days before she was murdered. A massive search ensued involving hundreds of friends, family, police, teachers and the local community. Police later uncovered evidence of Fisher’s lies. They tracked the journey his car had taken using ANPR cameras and his mobile phone signal. Fisher initially claimed he was asleep at home while his car was in motion. Abi Fisher’s body was found in undergrowth on Southmoor Road, near Brierley, South Yorkshire. Her husband’s fingerprints were found on gaffer tape nearby. Abi Fisher’s body was found in undergrowth in Brierley on July 10 In addition to strangulation, she had injuries to her face, head and body that suggested she had been beaten. Evidence from Ms Fisher’s devices found she had made recent internet searches asking “why does my husband hate me?” and “is marriage counseling available on the NHS?”. Initially Fisher said he did not remember what had happened. Matthew Fisher appealed for help on social media after his wife was murdered. She later admitted the pair had fought on the night of her death, claiming she had hit her head on a picture frame. He said he “lost it” and then choked her, but could not remember for how long. The court heard that Fisher, who worked for Care Link, said tensions had been building in the couple’s marriage since the birth of their daughter, who was christened just days before Ms Fisher’s murder. He said the fight happened after his wife had threatened to leave him. Fisher was directly addressed by Abi Fisher’s mother, Andrea Richardson, in court. Before reading a victim statement, he told him: “Please look at me and show me some respect.” Abby Fisher. Credit: Family Brochure Recalling the day she discovered her daughter was dead, she said: ‘I couldn’t stop screaming. “I’ve never felt so helpless and terrified in my life. I was shaking inside, I felt physically sick, I felt like this wasn’t happening to us. We’re just normal people.” She added: “I prayed it was someone else’s child and not mine. How awful was that? This, Matthew, is what you did to me.” Referring to Abi Fisher as “my baby daughter”, he said: “She was so special. She would give anything, she loved life. She loved you, Matthew.” Mrs Richardson, 60, and her husband Mick, 63, are now looking after their granddaughter. “We’re starting over with a baby,” she said. Fisher pleaded guilty to murder at an earlier hearing. Jailing him for life, with a minimum of 15 years, Judge Tom Bayliss KC told Fisher: “You left your young daughter with no parent to look after her. others ragged.” Matthew Fisher Credit: West Yorkshire Police Speaking after the sentencing, Det Insp Amanda Wimbles, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Investigation Squad, said: “Abi was someone who was loved by many and this was a horrific crime which shocked and devastated the local community. Matthew Fisher’s The actions that day have ensured that their young daughter will now grow up without either parent. “I hope the swift justice and prison sentence handed down to Matthew Fisher provides some comfort to Abby’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with their loss.” Ms Fisher was due to return to teaching at All Saints C of E Academy, near Pontefract, in September. In an earlier statement, headteacher Matthew Jones said: “She will be remembered as an enthusiastic, kind and loving teacher and colleague, who gave her all every day. “In particular, her passion for science has inspired countless children over the years – making a real difference to so many lives.” Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know.
