Sir Richard Sutton: Murderer jailed for at least 36 years

The 35-year-old was handed a life sentence at Winchester Crown Court yesterday after being found guilty of murdering Sir Richard Sutton and attempting to murder his mother Anne Schreiber.

Thomas Schreiber, of Gillingham, Dorset, inflicted a “frenzied” knife attack upon millionaire hotelier Sir Richard and the 83-year-old partner Ms Schreiber at their Moorhill estate home near Gillingham.

The defendant previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in relation to his efforts to flee the scene on the evening of April 7.

Sentencing judge the Honourable Mr Justice Garnham handed Thomas Schreiber a life sentence with a minimum term of 36 years.

During the sentencing hearing on Monday, December 20, statements from members of Sir Richard’s family as well as the defendant’s two sisters were read.

Sir David Sutton, Sir Richard’s son, said he thinks of his father every day and he feels “robbed” of the times they had planned together.

Sir Richard's son said it was "a senseless act" that took away the life of a "generous, loving, elderly man".

Caroline Sutton, Sir Richard’s daughter, said: “Tom has not only dragged his own family though hell, but also mine."

She added: “I don't think my brother and I will ever truly recover from our loss.”

Thomas Schreiber’s sisters, Rose McCarthy and Louisa Schreiber, read their own statements as they fought back tears.

Mrs McCarthy said the defendant "took a knife to our world" and he had “broken me”.

In relation to Sir Richard, Mrs McCarthy said Thomas Schreiber killed "the most innocent and kind man in the most brutal way" In relation to their mother, she told the court that she is "trapped in a body she cannot use".

The family home at Moorhill did not feel safe anymore, Mrs McCarthy said.

"You have ruined the lives of the Suttons and the memory of their father," she added.

Louisa Schreiber said Sir Richard was due to walk her down the aisle at her wedding this year.

As Louisa Schreiber told the court her brother had become a stranger to her, the defendant said “I’m sorry”.

She said Sir Richard's life was taken away in the "most brutal of ways" and the image of her mother in intensive care would stay with her forever.

In a letter to the judge, the defendant spoke of his “heartfelt shame and total disgust” at his actions, and added: “All I wish to do is travel back in time to that terrible day so I can change everything and bring Sir Richard and my mother back to life.”

Expressing his wish that he had sought help for his mental health, he added: “I have been a coward, hugely arrogant and selfish in my behaviour. I am so sorry for this and wish I had the clarity of thought I have now, I remain in total shock and horror that I could be capable of such actions.”

He added: “This was not the actions of a demonic monster but someone in need of help and intervention.”

Mr Justice Garnham told the defendant: “Your actions have caused utter devastation in the Sutton and Schreiber families.

He added: “You treated Sir Richard’s house and possessions as if they were your own.

“You had repaid his generosity with ingratitude, discourtesy and ill-temper.”

“You showed neither him or your mother any respect, instead during your time in their home you displayed a breath-taking sense of entitlement, at times you left Sir Richard feeling like a prisoner in his own home.”

'We will never forget him'

In a statement after the hearing, Sir Richard Sutton's family said: "We welcome the outcome of the trial and that justice has been seen to be done.

"However, this was a tragic and devastating loss of life, taken far too early, of a generous, loving, elderly man who only wanted to enjoy his twilight years; an elderly man who was our father, a brother, a grandfather and a friend to all who knew him.

"We will treasure our memories of him forever and his values, of being warm and compassionate to all those he met and worked with, will live on; as will the love, respect and devotion he showed to his family and friends every day.

"In business, Sir Richard had a passion for excellence, whether in his hotels, property or farming interests.

"he British countryside has lost an amazing champion, who was above all an active and committed farmer.

"He taught us all about the importance of protecting and preserving the environment around us and the need to leave it in a better place for future generations.

"We will never forget him, nor his never-ending kindness and generosity. He will be sorely missed.

"We want to thank the team of detectives, the police liaison officers, the CPS and Mr Adam Feest QC for their support, and for bringing this heinous crime to justice.”

Thanks to emergency services

In a statement issued through Dorset Police, Louisa Schreiber and Rose McCarthy, daughters of Anne Schreiber, said: "We would like to thank the emergency services involved, including but not limited to, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Dorset Police local officers and the armed response unit and the South Western Ambulance Service paramedics that attended Moorhill on April 7, 2021.

"We would like to personally thank PC George Bryant of the armed response team and Dr Godfrey and his team at Bristol Southmead Hospital. All of these people worked tirelessly to save our mother's life and we are eternally grateful. 

"There is little peace to be found in Friday's verdict and today's sentencing. We respectfully ask for privacy going forward as we grieve for Richard, and come to terms with all that we have lost."

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the family of Sir Richard and Anne and I again want to thank them for their support during the investigation and trial process as well as the dignified way they have conducted themselves throughout. 

“I would also like to repeat my thanks to all those officers and staff from Dorset Police and other forces involved in this detailed investigation, as well as the CPS prosecution team for the role they have played in helping to secure this conviction and sentence.”

'A small sense of closure'

Hayley Porter-Straw, CPS Wessex senior district crown prosecutor, said: “Thomas Schreiber admitted being responsible for the death of Sir Richard, and for the injuries sustained by his mother, but said that his actions were as a result of his state of mind, exacerbated by lockdown during the pandemic.

“The CPS worked closely with Dorset Police, using the evidence of witnesses, forensic evidence, CCTV and mobile phone evidence, to prove beyond doubt that Thomas Schreiber intended to kill Sir Richard and his mother.

“I hope that today’s sentence will bring a small sense of closure to the family involved in this case, and that they feel justice has been delivered.”