THE father of former Chorley champion boxer Carl Crook has been jailed for killing his wife.

Jealous Peter Crook, aged 60, killed Charlotte - 25 years after she confessed to having an affair.

He had forgiven but could not forget, Preston Crown Court heard.

His obsession about the infidelity finally triggered a violent rage last June.

He hit Charlotte, 55 - his wife for 36 years - with a radio and then strangled her, said Peter Turner QC, prosecuting.

Then father of four Crook tried to kill himself. He wrote a suicide note, took pills and put a plastic bag over his head. The couple were found by their daughter Deborah.

Later Crook told police: "I wanted to kill her. I had so much anger. I hated her for those few minutes. I absolutely hated her."

Mr Turner said the couple married in 1962 and that Charlotte had an affair in 1973.

"The defendant was aware of it at the time and forgave her," he said.

But years later he became obsessed about the infidelity, asking his wife questions which she would either not answer or give misleading replies.

"It triggered a violent rage. He lost his self-control and killed her," said Mr Turner. "It was a brutal attack."

Keith Goddard QC, defending, said Crook's regret and contrition was shown by his suicide attempt.

"He had a passionate love for his wife and is devoted to his children. He did not wish to face life without his wife."

He said Mrs Crook told him about her infidelity and "disclosed gradually what had taken place during the affair".

Said Mr Goddard: "It appeared there was still more to tell."

Crook, of Coniston Road, Chorley, admitted manslaughter and was jailed for six years.

Mr Justice Newman told him: "I am satisfied that the circumstances which led you to so brutally kill your wife are emotionally complex.

"You were incapable of coming to terms that many years ago your wife had an affair.

"You tormented her and tormented yourself. You placed her in an impossible situation. That you loved her, I do not doubt."

Son Carl Crook was a former British and Commonwealth lightweight boxing champion and ex-landlord of the Market Tavern and Parkers Arms, Chorley.

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