Key facts
- Michael Thompson was convicted of raping and murdering his estranged wife, Kimberley Thompson.
- He was also found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice.
- Thompson attempted to stage the scene to appear as a suicide.
- He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 33 years.
- The couple had initiated divorce proceedings at the time of the killing.
- Thompson had a history of domestic abuse against his wife.
Michael Thompson, 56, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 33 years after being found guilty of the rape and murder of his estranged wife, Kimberley Thompson, 43. Thompson also attempted to stage her death as a suicide and was convicted of two counts of perverting the course of justice. The couple, who had been married for 19 years and had two children, were separated and initiating divorce proceedings when the murder occurred last August in Northampton. The judge described Thompson's actions as an 'ultimate act of cowardice and contempt' as he refused to attend court for his sentencing. During a six-week trial, Thompson claimed consensual sex before finding his wife lifeless, but a post-mortem revealed no alcohol and only low levels of other substances. Kimberley's family and friends, who described a history of domestic abuse, did not believe she had taken her own life. Her daughter, Athena, testified that her father was a 'jealous, conniving, narcissistic villain' and that his actions had destroyed her life. Prosecutors stated Thompson was aware his wife had started a new relationship and was planning to move out, and had requested approximately £65,000 in a divorce settlement. Evidence included suspicious social media posts from Kimberley's account and Thompson's feigned distress when calling emergency services.