A MAN has admitted to killing his estranged wife earlier this year.

Craig Woodhall, 41, formerly of Windsor Crescent, pleaded guilty to stabbing his wife Victoria, 31, multiple times during a sustained attack on in March.

At 4.55pm on March 29, members of the public began calling 999 after Woodhall chased Victoria from their property into the street, before attacking her with a machete.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Ben Wood said: “Victoria was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack, and there were several people in the immediate vicinity who witnessed this horrifying murder.

“Our officers began to arrive shortly after the emergency calls, along with paramedics and an air ambulance. Despite the best efforts of both our officers and medical staff, Victoria’s injuries were so severe she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Woodhall fled prior to police arrival and at 5.50pm, two officers were driving down Wombwell Lane in Barnsley when a car flashed its headlights at them. Woodhall got out of the car and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.”

A post-mortem examination concluded that Victoria died as a result of multiple incised wounds.

DI Wood continued: “Victoria’s injuries were significant and extensive – she was stabbed with a Gurkha-style machete knife, which our officers recovered from the scene.

“The violence she suffered was so extreme that she had multiple skull fractures, as well as significant injuries to her head, face, neck, arms, hands, shoulders and back.

“While I am pleased that Woodhall has accepted responsibility for his crime, this will do little to comfort Victoria’s family and loved ones. I send my deepest condolences to them as they come to terms with their loss."

Woodhall has been remanded into custody and will will be sentenced on October 2.