Ian Hamer went to the pub after strangling wife of 27 years Joanne and played pool, laughed and joked with friends and took cocaine. Hull Crown Court heard he controlled his wife’s life and accused her of having affairs

A “controlling and manipulative” businessman who strangled his wife to death with her dressing gown cord before going to a pub to drink and take cocaine has been jailed for life.

Ian Hamer was convicted of murdering his wife of 27 years, Joanne, who was found lying partially clothed on a bed at their home in Worlaby, North Lincolnshire, in May last year.

Hamer, 54, admitted manslaughter but denied murder, saying his mental state at the time was such that he did not understand what he was doing.

He was convicted following a three-week trial at Hull Crown Court and jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years, Humberside Police said.

The jury heard the couple’s marriage had deteriorated due to his behaviour.