On a somber day in Portsmouth Crown Court, Martin Suter, a 68-year-old retired sailor from Lee-on-the-Solent, was sentenced to life in prison for the cold-blooded murder of his ex-wife, Ann Blackwood. The murder, described by Judge Michael Bowes KC as an act of "wickedness," took place at Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington, Hampshire, on July 24, 2023—what would have been the 36th birthday of their late son, Christopher.
The chilling details of the crime have left the local community and Blackwood’s family reeling. According to BBC News and The Independent, Suter meticulously planned the attack, waiting for five hours at the cemetery. He armed himself with a large kitchen knife, anticipating that Ann would visit their son’s grave on his birthday. When she arrived by bicycle, Suter ambushed her, stabbing her in the back with the knife. When the blade broke, he seized a pair of scissors Ann had brought to cut flowers and stabbed her 19 times in the neck and shoulder. The brutal attack ended only after Suter was certain his ex-wife was dead.
Members of the public who witnessed the aftermath offered to help, but Suter reportedly told them, “No, she’s dead – I killed her. I called the police. It’s been 40 years. I couldn’t take it any more,” as reported by Sky News. At 3:39 pm, Suter himself called 999 from the graveside, confessing: “I have just murdered someone, I have just killed my ex-wife, I have just stabbed her to death.”
This confession was not the only sign of Suter’s calculated intent. Prosecutor Robert O’Sullivan KC emphasized the “significant degree of planning” involved, noting that Suter had taken the kitchen knife from his home and lay in wait for hours. O’Sullivan also revealed that Suter blamed Ann for their son’s suicide in 2003, an accusation he repeated during his call to emergency services and in subsequent statements. However, the coroner had ruled Christopher’s death accidental, and the couple had divorced a year later, in 2004.
Adding another layer of tragedy and complexity, Suter was also sentenced for the indecent assault of a girl under 14, a crime to which he had pleaded guilty in May 2023 at Manchester Crown Court. For this, Judge Bowes imposed an additional 121 days to the 27 years and 109 days minimum term for murder, as reported by Portsmouth News and The Independent.
Throughout the sentencing, Suter showed no emotion, dressed in a beige suit and striped tie. Judge Bowes addressed him sternly: “Christopher’s death was a tragic loss but cannot reduce in any way your culpability for the murder of his mother. You brutally murdered Ann Blackwood in the most cruel and agonising way you could by stabbing her to death on her son’s grave, and this is rightly characterised by her family and friends as an act of wickedness.” The judge added, “No sentence I can pass can compensate Ann Blackwood’s family and friends for their devastating loss.”
The court heard moving victim impact statements from Ann Blackwood’s family and friends. Her brother, John Blackwood, described her as “an affable, inoffensive person, easy-going, gregarious, with many friends.” He lamented, “Her shocking and brutal death has sorely impacted many people, her immediate family and wider circle of friends. The family hub has been splintered in the most grotesque manner possible.” Friend Catherine Jay called her a “loyal friend, devoted mother and vibrant presence.”
Ann Blackwood’s family, in a statement released through Hampshire Constabulary and quoted by Portsmouth News, said: “Our family have been absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Ann Blackwood. A loving, caring, kind-hearted mother, sister and friend who was a very popular member of her local community, loved and respected by everyone who knew her. Ann dedicated her life to helping and inspiring others throughout her successful teaching career, she was admired by her pupils and colleagues alike. Ann will be remembered as a person of beauty, grace, and immeasurable fortitude.”
Ann was known for her active retirement, enjoying tennis, sailing, cycling, and music. Her church community and local friends remembered her as the heart of many gatherings, someone who brought people together and inspired those around her, as noted by The Independent.
Detective Inspector Martin Longyear, who led the investigation, stated: “I welcome today’s sentence that underlines the seriousness of Suter’s offending and recognises his attempts to delay the legal proceedings. Our detailed investigation ensured the strength of the evidence against Suter that has brought us to this result. This case has understandably caused significant distress to Ann’s family and I hope that today’s sentence helps them to move forward safe in the knowledge that Suter will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.”
Suter’s mental health was also considered during the trial. According to the prosecution, he had been diagnosed with autism and depression. Defense counsel Jodie Mittell KC explained, “It may be difficult for someone with the autism diagnosis to demonstrate, or for remorse to be assessed.” Prosecutor O’Sullivan, however, pointed out that Suter “hasn’t expressed any genuine remorse, he still contests he committed the crime of murder.” The judge and legal teams acknowledged the complexity of assessing remorse in individuals with such diagnoses, but ultimately found Suter fully culpable for his actions.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community in Lee-on-the-Solent and Stubbington. Residents expressed horror that such violence could erupt in a place of peace and remembrance. The fact that the attack took place at a graveside—on the birthday of the couple’s deceased son—has only deepened the sense of tragedy.
For many, the case also highlights the importance of support for families dealing with grief and mental health issues, as well as the need for vigilance in the face of warning signs. Ann Blackwood’s legacy as a dedicated teacher, loving mother, and pillar of her community will not be forgotten. Her family and friends hope that justice, though it cannot restore what was lost, will help them begin to heal from an act that has forever changed their lives.
With Martin Suter now facing the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars, the community mourns Ann Blackwood—a woman remembered for her kindness, grace, and unwavering strength.
