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Husband accuses police officer who killed his wife of robbing him of chance to rescue marriage

Timothy Brehmer - Dorset Police/PA
Timothy Brehmer - Dorset Police/PA

A father-of-two accused the police officer who killed his wife of being the “worst kind of thief”, who had robbed him of the chance to save his marriage.

On Tuesday, Andrew Parry launched the scathing attack on Timothy Brehmer, after the Dorset police constable was acquitted of murdering nurse Claire Parry, his long-term lover, when she revealed their affair to Brehmer's wife.

Brehmer, 41, used enough force to fracture Mrs Parry’s neck in three places, when he “angrily” throttled her in his car moments after she texted his detective wife with the message “I'm cheating on you” from his phone.

After a 12-day trial, jurors took just two hours and 50 minutes on Tuesday to clear Brehmer of murder, as he remained emotionless in the dock. He admitted manslaughter and faces sentencing on Wednesday.

Claire Parry was left with 'unsurvivable brain injuries' after she was strangled in the car park - Dorset Police /PA
Claire Parry was left with 'unsurvivable brain injuries' after she was strangled in the car park - Dorset Police /PA

Mr Parry, also a Dorset police officer, told the court: "Brehmer has robbed them of their mother. This is what I think of him - he is the worst kind of thief. He has stolen a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece and a friend.

"Claire meant so much to so many people, and he has robbed me of the opportunity to save my marriage. He has robbed my children of a million hugs and kisses from their mummy.”

Mr Parry said he had suffered a “whole new level of pain and humiliation” as Brehmer told “lie after lie,” shed “crocodile tears” (see video below) and showed no remorse for his dead wife.

"Brehmer will now go to his grave being the only person knowing what happened in that car park,” said Mr Parry. "Brehmer has not left a hole in this life... he has left a gaping chasm that will stick for eternity.”

Mrs Parry's marriage was falling apart as her husband had discovered her relationship with Brehmer, but Brehmer's detective wife, also from the same force, had no idea about his flings.

Brehmer was described in court as “man whore” and “womaniser,”  with a reputation at work as a ladies' man who managed to charm a number of lovers from within his own unit.

Another police officer who had a brief affair with him said Brehmer used "grooming" techniques to exert "coercive and controlling behaviour" over women.

DC Kate Rhodes, a former lover PC Timothy Brehmer was a witness in the case -  Ewan Galvin/Solent News & Photo Agency
DC Kate Rhodes, a former lover PC Timothy Brehmer was a witness in the case - Ewan Galvin/Solent News & Photo Agency

During the trial, Brehmer described the incident in which Mrs Parry died as a “kerfuffle”, claiming he “fell on top of her by accident more than anything.”

He sobbed as he told jurors: “I'm responsible for her death. I must have [used too much force]. I absolutely did not want to kill her or cause serious bodily harm. I didn't intend to kill her.”

Mrs Parry was left with 'unsurvivable brain injuries' after she was strangled in The Horns Inn's car park in West Parley in Dorset.

The judge is considering whether to sentence Brehmer on the basis of accidental and unlawful manslaughter or manslaughter due to a 'loss of control' triggered by Mrs Parry sending the texts to his wife.

Women’s charities urged the judge to impose the maximum life sentence.

Solace Women's Aid charity said: "We are sickened and disgusted by the outcome of this case. When a man chooses to put his hands or arms around a women’s neck with the intent to harm her and strangle her – it is done with intent."

Mrs Parry's parents, Jane and Philip Jordan,said:  "Her violent and sudden death has left a chasm. Claire's children have now got to go through their lives knowing this man took the life of their mummy.

"They will not be able to share their triumphs and disasters with their mum - this is a bitter, bitter pain.”