Man Pleads Guilty Murdering Ex-Wife at Son's Grave in Hampshire

Martin Suter, 68, pleaded guilty to murdering his 71-year-old ex-wife, Ann Blackwood, at Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington, Hampshire, on July 24, 2023, exactly twenty years after their son Christopher's death and on what would have been his 16th birthday. Blackwood was found fatally injured by their son's grave and was pronounced dead at the scene despite medical treatment efforts. Suter, a former Green Party member and local politician, also faced historic sex offence charges, admitting to indecent assault of a girl under 14, while being acquitted of other charges. The case was initially subject to reporting restrictions that have since been lifted, allowing details of his guilty plea and related proceedings to be publicized. Blackwood’s family described her as a loving, kind-hearted mother who was active in her retirement, enjoying tennis, sailing, cycling, and music, and expressed devastation over her death. Suter, who lived nearby and was active in his local church, will be sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court in a forthcoming hearing.