Wife who killed Lancashire solicitor David Edwards wants to appeal against murder conviction

Sharon Edwards who murdered her husband, solicitor Dave Edwards in Chorley

Dad-of-one David Edwards, 51, of Parkers Wood Close, Chorley, was found dead in his bed on August 23 last year – the day after he returned from a holiday to Alcudia in Spain with his new wife Sharon Edwards, 42.

She inflicted a knife wound to his heart with a kitchen knife and was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of his murder following a trial at Manchester Crown Court in March.

Mr Justice William Davis told Mrs Edwards she had a “bullying and violent nature” which had “robbed people of a decent man”.

It is understood David’s elderly parents, Tony and Ann, who live in the Midlands, and brother Peter, have been informed of the appeal.

Today Det Chief Insp Dean Holden, who led the murder probe for Lancashire Police, said: “We will adhere to any requirements of the appeal process and continue to support David’s family throughout.”

A spokesman for the Judiciary Office said a single judge at the Court of Appeal will now consider whether the case should be referred to a full hearing,

He added: “If he does then it would go to a hearing in front of three judges.”

No date has been set for her application to be considered.

Jackie Rand, of Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service, which dealt with the case, confirmed they were aware of Sharon Edwards’ application.

It is unclear what grounds she is citing for the appeal.

Government guidance states defendants can normally only appeal if something went ‘wrong’ at the trial, such as if an important court procedure wasn’t followed properly, or if there is new evidence, such as a witness who was not at the original trial.

The mum-of-four, who had a history of attacking partners, had denied intentionally stabbing the well-known solicitor just weeks after their wedding in Las Vegas, insisting he accidentally “walked onto” the blade after she took it from him.

But a post mortem examination revealed, in addition to the 8cm deep fatal wound, David had more than 60 recent and older injuries, including other stab type wounds and fractures.

He had already confided in colleague about domestic abuse and had a black eye on their wedding photographs.

David was well known in Chorley.

He was a keen pool player who played for the Chorley Electrical Pool League, and a staunch Chorley FC fan.

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