GUILTY UK - Richard Challen, 61, Killed by Wife in Hammer Attack, Surrey, 14 Aug 2011

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Legally Bland

Legally Bland

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  • #1
A Ferrari enthusiast had a bizarre ‘post-nuptial agreement’ with the wife who allegedly murdered him, a court heard yesterday.

Richard Challen, 61, told Sally she should not interrupt him when he was talking, should not talk to strangers and should quit smoking, the jury was told.

The demands formed part of an agreement drawn up in an attempt to salvage their 31-year marriage.

For his part, Mr Challen, who was ‘fascinated’ by fast cars, agreed he would cut ties with his single friends.

But as the reconciliation developed, his wife suspected he was having an affair with Sue Wilce, whom he met on a dating website.

Incensed by the apparent deception, Challen, 57, took a hammer from her handbag and crept up behind him as he ate lunch at the kitchen table.

Challen, an office manager for the Police Federation, bludgeoned him more than 20 times over the head in their £1million four-bedroom home in Claygate, Surrey.

Richard Challen 'post nuptial' demands: Don't interrupt and quit smoking | Daily Mail Online
 
  • #2
Sally Challen was jailed for the murder of her husband in 2011 but her solicitors believe a new law, recognising psychological manipulation as a form of domestic abuse, could be a defence in an appeal hearing next month. Her son David explains why he's backing the appeal and hopes to see his mother freed.

Sally's last words to David were supposed to be heartfelt but undramatic. "You know I love you, don't you?" she said, fixing his gaze through an open car door, as she dropped him off at work.

A day earlier, she had killed her long-time husband, and father of David, in a frenzied hammer attack. But as he headed to his job, David knew nothing of Richard Challen's gruesome death.

After that drop-off, she had planned to swiftly end her own life - jumping from the top floor of a nearby car park. When she realised the car park was closed, she pressed on regardless, driving to Beachy Head in East Sussex. There she planned to jump to her death off the chalky precipice.

From the clifftop, Sally called her cousin to admit the killing. She repeated the admission to a suicide team and a chaplain, who had been called to help her.

It took them two hours to talk her down from the edge.

She was charged with her husband's murder, convicted and jailed for life.

'My mum killed my dad but I want her freed'
 
  • #3
15 Nov 2018
Groundbreaking coercive control appeal gives hope to wife convicted of murdering husband
By Anja Popp
She was described as a wife ‘eaten up with jealousy’ by the Judge who convicted her of murder.

Eight years ago, Sally Challen took a hammer to her husband Richard and beat him to death, before trying to end her own life. She’s serving an 18-year sentence.

Now she has won the leave to appeal against her murder conviction in a couple of months, on the grounds that she had suffered from the ‘coercive and controlling behaviour’ of her husband. A new law that became a criminal offence four years after her conviction.

Groundbreaking coercive control appeal gives hope to wife convicted of murdering husband
 
  • #4
Legally Bland said:
15 Nov 2018
Groundbreaking coercive control appeal gives hope to wife convicted of murdering husband
By Anja Popp
She was described as a wife ‘eaten up with jealousy’ by the Judge who convicted her of murder.

Eight years ago, Sally Challen took a hammer to her husband Richard and beat him to death, before trying to end her own life. She’s serving an 18-year sentence.

Now she has won the leave to appeal against her murder conviction in a couple of months, on the grounds that she had suffered from the ‘coercive and controlling behaviour’ of her husband. A new law that became a criminal offence four years after her conviction.

Groundbreaking coercive control appeal gives hope to wife convicted of murdering husband
Click to expand...

I do not know enough about this case but from yesterday TV interview by her son, things he was saying about his mum's ordeal's, photos ect were heartbreaking. Her husband made Chrismas card of him with two naked let's just say easy going ladies. They did show that Christmas photo on TV. Family man?

Judge branding her as wife eaten up with jealousy does not sit well with me. He openly cheated on her, controlled and manipulated her. That is more sadness and desperation from her part in my eyes rather then jealousy.

It is difficult one as of course murder is murder. She is already in prison for 8 years... Many much more serious murderers in UK got less than that.
 
  • #5
Al Ka said:
I do not know enough about this case but from yesterday TV interview by her son, things he was saying about his mum's ordeal's, photos ect were heartbreaking. Her husband made Chrismas card of him with two naked let's just say easy going ladies. They did show that Christmas photo on TV. Family man?

Judge branding her as wife eaten up with jealousy does not sit well with me. He openly cheated on her, controlled and manipulated her. That is more sadness and desperation from her part in my eyes rather then jealousy.

It is difficult one as of course murder is murder. She is already in prison for 8 years... Many much more serious murderers in UK got less than that.
Click to expand...


So far I only know what has been currently available in the press about this case so impossible to form an opinion. A very violent murder, but would she be a danger to the public generally? That surely has to be taken into account? The violence in this attack troubles me. Think the appeal will be interesting to follow.
 
  • #6
David “burst into tears” when he heard his campaign for his mum’s murder sentence to be reviewed was successful: The appeal date is February 27, 2019.

Four years after Sally’s trial, in 2015, “coercive and controlling behaviour” became a criminal offence in the UK.
It was the first time David says he had the vocabulary to describe the psychological, financial and emotional abuse his dad inflicted upon his mum: “Before there was a legal term, it was difficult to verbalise. We’d just talk about all the bad things that happened.”
‘Sinister reason my mum killed my dad’

BBM
 
  • #7
  • #8
  • #9
  • #10
Some live tweets:
Helena Lee
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Good morning from the Court of Appeal in London.



Today is the start of a two day hearing in the case of Sally Challen.

Sally Challen’s supporters, including her son @David_Challen have gathered outside the court.


Sally Challen is 65 today.

She is currently serving 18 years in prison for murdering her husband in 2010.


Sally Challen was married to Richard Challen for 31 years.

They first met when she was 15. #challen


In 2009 they separated but Sally Challen, said to be emotionally dependent on her husband, asked for a reconciliation.

Richard Challen agreed but with stringent conditions.


One August morning in 2010 Sally Challen went to the former family home in Surrey.

She discovered he’d been cheating on her again.


Sally made her husband breakfast and then hit him more than 20 times over the head with a hammer.

The following year she was convicted of murder.


Today - 7 years since that conviction - Sally is hoping that her murder conviction will be reduced to manslaughter.

This is a landmark domestic abuse case. #challen


Sally Challen’s lawyers will argue that her husband’s controlling and coercive behaviour was provocation.

In other words the extreme psychological abuse that he inflicted on her led her to kill him. #challen


Coercive control wasn’t a criminal offence when Sally Challen’s trial took place in 2011.


It is now (since 2015)


In court 6 in the Appeal Court waiting for the hearing to start at 10.30am.


Sally Challen’s family are in court.


The case will be heard in front of Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Sweeney and Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.


Sally Challen has appeared on two screens in the courtroom.

She will be listening to the evidence from a prison.


She is looking visibly upset and is wiping away tears.


The courtroom and public gallery is packed.

The hearing begins.


Sally Challen is asked to raise her hand to identify who she is.


Sally Challen’s barrister Clare Wade QC has stood up to begin their case.


Clare Wade QC says they’ll be calling fresh evidence from a number of witnesses.

Some of that evidence will be around the issue of controlling and coercive behaviour.


Professor Stark has been called to give evidence.

He is in the witness box.

He is a retired forensic social worker.

He’s been assessing domestic violence since the 1980’s.


He is the author of a book about coercive control and has also written other books on domestic violence.


He confirms he was asked by Sally Challen’s solicitor to provide expert opinion on coercive control.


Professor Stark is asked what coercive control is.

He says it’s now known to be the most common form of abuse for which primarily women seek outside assistance.


Professor Stark - coercive control is long lasting.

Barrister - what does it achieve?

Professor - compliance ... making victims afraid.


Professor Stark - Coercive control in its extreme produces a hostage like feeling of entrapment ... similar to being prisoner of war.


Barrister - what are the risks of being a relationship where there is coercive control

Professor Stark - ultimate risk is homicide


Sally Challen is listening from a prison to Professor Stark’s evidence.

She’s served 8 years of her 18 prison sentence.


Barrister ask Professor Stark to explain about gaslighting.

Professor Stark - Over time a partner feels they are losing their mind and their sense of reality.


On gaslighting Professor Stark says the person feels their point of view isn’t good ... that they are constantly looking over their shoulder.

It drives people crazy, he says.


Lady Justice Hallett has been handed a note saying 50 people have travelled to court to hear today’s proceedings but can’t get into court because of space.

They are asking whether a live relay of proceedings would be possible.


The court hears a live relay of proceedings will not be possible for those who can’t get into court.


Professor is asked if he has ever met Sally Challen or interviewed her in person.

He admits he hasn’t but did send her questions to answer.


Professor Stark also tells the court he isn’t medically qualified.

No further questions.

Professor Stark finishes evidence and steps down from the witness box.


Lady Justice Hallett returns to issue that more people want to get into the courtroom.

One of the barristers has suggested her and her colleagues move forward a bench to create some space.


Lady Justice Hallett tells the court she is asking further about whether a live stream is possible (for those who haven’t been able to get in) and says if that’s not possible they will look into seeing whether a bigger courtroom can be used this afternoon.


Dr Tim Exworthy, a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, is now in the witness box in court.

He confirms he was asked to give evidence at Sally Challen’s trial in 2011 on behalf of the defence.


Dr Exworthy is being asked questions by Sally Challen’s barrister.


He confirms he assessed Sally Challen after visiting her on three occasions in 2010.

He says it’s unusual for him to have to make three visits to a defendant. He usually makes two visits.


Sally Challen’s barrister asks why three visits were needed.

Dr Exworthy says it was difficult to follow Sally Challen’s chronology and it was tricky to get the background history of her relationship with her husband.


Dr Exworthy says Sally Challen had told him their marriage was “generally fine”.


Sally Challen mentioned to Dr Exworthy that in 1987 she had been concerned about her husband’s infidelity.

Dr Exworthy said Sally Challen said when she approached her husband about it he said he was “not prepared to discuss it”


Dr Exworthy says Sally Challen told him her husband wasn’t an attentive father to their two sons and had “opted out”.


Barrister asks Dr Exworthy what his conclusion was regarding Sally Challen’s mental health.

He tells the court she suffered from a depressive disorder.


Dr Exworthy says he didn’t include coercive control in his assessment conclusions after speaking to Sally Challen in 2010 because he wasn’t aware of the concept.


Dr Exworthy says he thinks it would have been of assistance to him had he known about the concept coercive control at the time of his initial assessment of Sally Challen.


Dr Exworthy has finished giving evidence after answering some further questions.


A larger court will be used this afternoon (court 4) so more people can fit in.


Break until 13.50.
Click to expand...

Helena Lee on Twitter
 
  • #11
More tweets:
  1. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Back in a bigger court allowing more people to sit in this afternoon.

    1 reply .3 retweets18 likes

  2. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Those in court can see Sally Challen who is appearing via video link from a prison.

    3 replies .3 retweets10 likes

  3. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    The prosecution has called Dr. Paul Gilluley who is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist to give evidence.

    1 reply .2 retweets4 likes

  4. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Dr Gilleley assessed Sally Challen in 2011 and he tells the court it was his conclusion that she wasn’t suffering from any mental disorder at the the time of the offence.

    1 reply .2 retweets4 likes

  5. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Prosecuting barrister asks how he came to that conclusion. Dr Gilleley says he based it on her account and how she was functioning.

    2 replies .2 retweets4 likes

  6. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    On reviewing the case Dr Gilleley says he found no evidence of Sally Challen suffering from personality disorder.

    1 reply .1 retweet5 likes

  7. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Apologies. I spelt Dr. Paul Gilluley’s surname incorrectly in all but one of the previous tweets relating to him.

    1 reply .1 retweet5 likes

  8. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Dr. Paul Gilluley says he completed a second report and has seen prison records. He says it is his conclusion that at the time of the offence Sally Challen was not suffering from any mental disorder.

    36 replies .6 retweets8 likes

  9. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 33m33 minutes ago
    Dr. Paul Gilluley is now being cross examined by Sally Challen’s barrister.

    1 reply .2 retweets8 likes

  10. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 22m22 minutes ago
    Dr. Paul Gilluley says he accepted Sally Challen was in an abusive relationship. He says Mrs Challen was very open with him about that when he spoke to her.

    1 reply .2 retweets9 likes

  11. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 19m19 minutes ago
    Dr. Paul Gilluley says he has no doubt that any abuse has an effect on someone’s mental state but he says he found no mental disorder at the time Sally Challen killed her husband.

    1 reply .3 retweets7 likes
Click to expand...

Helena Lee on Twitter
 
  • #12
  1. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 29m29 minutes ago
    Asked if he was aware of the term coercive control at the time, Dr. Paul Gilluley says he was aware abuse could happen within a relationship (not just physical but also mental) but he didn’t know about the term coercive control at the time he assessed Sally Challen.

    1 reply .4 retweets10 likes

  2. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 26m26 minutes ago
    Dr. Paul Gilluley who is in the witness box interviewed Sally Challen twice after she killed her husband.

    1 reply .2 retweets7 likes
Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee
Dr. Paul Gilluley says when he first interviewed Sally Challen for the first time she rambled on but says he didn’t find that unusual.
 
  • #13
Bit more from yesterday:

  1. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 20h20 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead is now in the witness box. She has been called by the defence.

    1 reply .2 retweets11 likes

  2. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 20h20 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead is a Professor of Psychiatry.

    1 reply .2 retweets9 likes

  3. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 20h20 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead is being questioned by Sally Challen’s barrister.

    1 reply .3 retweets8 likes

  4. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 20h20 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead says she came to the view that Sally Challen suffered from a boardline personality disorder and had symptoms of a clinical mood disorder in the years running up to the offence.

    1 reply .4 retweets13 likes

  5. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 20h20 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead says its very common for people with boardline personality disorder to be victims of domestic violence.

    1 reply .2 retweets14 likes

  6. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 20h20 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead says people with borderline personality disorder can have highly disrupted home lives but are still able to maintain relationships outside of the home with friends and at work.

    3 replies .2 retweets14 likes

  7. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 19h19 hours ago
    Dr Adshead is asked what her view is of Sally Challen at the time of the offence. She says she found the statements Sally Challen gave to the police after the offence “unusual” in that they were long. It “suggested some disorganisation of mind” Dr Adshead tells the court.

    2 replies .3 retweets14 likes

  8. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 19h19 hours ago
    Dr Gwen Adshead has finished her evidence.

    1 reply .2 retweets11 likes

  9. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 19h19 hours ago
    Now the court is sorting out the timetable of what happens next.

    1 reply .2 retweets10 likes
Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee
Defence and prosecution will put submissions forward to the court tomorrow. The hearing will resume at 10.30am in court 4.
 
  • #14
From today:

@BBCHelenaLee
Sally Challen is appearing from a prison via video link. She can see and hear what’s going on in court 4 at the Appeal Court where the hearing is taking place.

    1. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 58m58 minutes ago
      The courtroom is packed.

      1 reply .4 retweets35 likes

    2. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 54m54 minutes ago
      Hearing begins.

      1 reply .3 retweets14 likes

    3. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 52m52 minutes ago
      Clare Wade QC - defence barrister - is putting forward submissions to the court.

      1 reply .3 retweets14 likes

    4. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 50m50 minutes ago
      Clare Wade QC says our understanding of coercive control has developed since her (Sally Challen’s) trial and it wasn’t known about and not fully appreciated at the time.

      2 replies .6 retweets25 likes

    5. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 48m48 minutes ago
      Claire Wade QC tells the court it’s important to look at the cumulative pattern and history of what happened to Sally Challen.

      1 reply .8 retweets28 likes

    6. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 45m45 minutes ago
      Clare Wade QC tells the court that coercive control isn’t completely new but what hasn’t been there is an understanding of it and it’s role hadn’t been appreciated.

      2 replies .6 retweets37 likes

    7. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 6m6 minutes ago
      Clare Wade QC is continuing the defence’s final submissions to the court.

      1 reply .1 retweet3 likes

    8. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2m2 minutes ago
      Clare Wade QC says immediately prior to committing the offence Sally Challen went out to buy food for her husband’s breakfast. In no way was the offence premeditated, Clare Wade QC tells the court.
 
  • #15
  1. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 3h3 hours ago
    Sally Challen, who is watching and listening via video link from a prison, is looking emotional and has been wiping away tears.

    4 replies .6 retweets34 likes

  2. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2h2 hours ago
    In discussion with Clare Wade QC Lady Justice Hallett says this appeal is firstly about undiagnosed disorders that were undiagnosed in Sally Challen at the time of the killing and whether or not they were consequences of coercive control.

    2 replies .5 retweets13 likes

  3. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2h2 hours ago
    Clare Wade QC has finished submissions for Sally Challen’s defence.

    2 replies .4 retweets14 likes

  4. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2h2 hours ago
    Caroline Carberry QC is now on her feet making final submissions for the prosecution.

    2 replies .6 retweets15 likes

  5. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2h2 hours ago
    Caroline Carberry QC: There is no evidence clinical or otherwise which points to a mental disorder

    1 reply .4 retweets2 likes

  6. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2h2 hours ago
    Caroline Carberry QC: There is a body of other evidence which indicates that Sally Challen was functioning to a high standard at the time of the killing.

    1 reply .3 retweets4 likes

  7. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 2h2 hours ago
    Caroline Carberry QC: There is ample evidence that demonstrates that prior to and at the time of the killing and in the hours and days that followed Sally Challen was acting in a logical and coherent way.

    3 replies .2 retweets7 likes

  8. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Caroline Carberry QC finishes her submissions.

    1 reply .2 retweets7 likes

  9. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
    Judges will return at 2.30 when they hope they will be in a position to give their judgement in the case. They may also give their reasons if there is time.

    5 replies .12 retweets37 likes
Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee
#Sallychallen case: Judgment expected at 2.30pm.

1:14 pm - 28 Feb 2019
 
  • #16
I had no idea what to expect. Acquitted, retrial ordered.
________________

Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee
Court 4 at the Appeal Court is packed this afternoon once again. Judgment expected shortly in the Sally Challen appeal.

2:24 pm - 28 Feb 2019

    1. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
      Sally Challen is on a video link from a prison where she will be able to hear the judgment and see what’s going on in the courtroom.

      5 replies .10 retweets46 likes

    2. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
      There are three senior judges on the panel.

      1 reply .5 retweets24 likes

    3. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
      Judges have come into court.

      1 reply .8 retweets34 likes

    4. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
      Lady Justice Hallett will be delivering the judgement.

      1 reply .13 retweets41 likes

    5. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
      Lady Justice Hallett is going through the background to the case.

      4 replies .7 retweets36 likes

    6. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 1h1 hour ago
      Lady Justice Hallett is going over what each side’s case is.

      3 replies .11 retweets57 likes

    7. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 58m58 minutes ago
      Sally Challen is wiping tears away as Lady Justice Hallett is taking the court through what happened before and after the killing.

      18 replies .25 retweets134 likes

    8. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 45m45 minutes ago
      Lady Justice Hallett is now going through evidence submitted to the court during this two day appeal.

      7 replies .17 retweets72 likes

    9. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 39m39 minutes ago
      About 100 people in the courtroom.

      18 replies .10 retweets109 likes

    10. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 26m26 minutes ago
      Lady Justice Hallett now onto conclusions.

      12 replies .18 retweets98 likes

    11. Helena Lee‏Verified account @BBCHelenaLee 22m22 minutes ago
      Sally Challen - murder conviction quashed. A retrial has been ordered.
 
  • #17
Thank you for the updates LB, much appreciated.
 
  • #18
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  • #20
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