A nurse who stabber her husband to death as he lay in bed made a "chilling" 999 call in which she admitted: "I can't believe I've just done this." Rebecca Searing, 52, of Ryecroft, Harlow, was jailed on Wednesday (September 7) at Chelmsford Crown Court for a minimum of 17 years for murder.
She stabbed 57 year-old Paul Searing while he lay in bed at their Essex home shortly before 2.15am on 12 February. After attacking him, Rebecca called the ambulance service, admitted what she had done, and requested help from paramedics.
EssexLive has shared the recording of part of that 999 call, which has been released by Essex Police. It was played during Searing's trial and was described as "chilling" by Mr Searing's family.
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Searing tells the operator bluntly that "I've stabbed my husband twice", and after a moment's pause and the operator trying to clarify, she says "you heard, I've stabbed my husband". When officers attended and spoke to her about what happened, she seemingly admitted attacking Paul.
She stated “I can’t believe I’ve just done this” and “I will go down for this”. Paul was taken to hospital but, sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals he later died.
A blood stained knife was found at the address and Rebecca Searing was later charged with Paul’s murder. During her trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, the jury heard she had asked one officer while in custody “I am gonna get 25 years for this, aren’t I?”.
She showed no emotion when the jury returned a guilty verdict on 25 August. At the same court on Wednesday she was sentenced to life with a minimum of 17 years before she can apply for parole.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Lydia George said: “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones at this time. While this does not bring Paul back, I hope that today’s sentence can provide his family with some justice and they can begin to re-build their lives.
“Rebecca Searing took Paul’s life in a moment of extreme violence. This case highlights how quickly incidents of domestic violence can escalate and how serious the consequences can be. Rebecca Searing now has a significant amount of time in prison to reflect on her actions.”
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