Husband, 62, charged with murder of disability campaigner wife, 58, found bludgeoned to death at family home
THE husband of a disabled rights campaigner has today been charged with her murder.
Jackie Hoadley, 58, was found bludgeoned to death at the family home in Eastbourne, East Sussex on Sunday.
Her husband Ray, 62, was arrested an hour later at the residential care home where both their severely disabled children are now being looked after.
The couple adopted Matthew, 15, and Ellie, 8, who have complex disabilities.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “On Thursday afternoon (July 9), Raymond Hoadley, 62, of Willowfield Road, Eastbourne, was charged with her murder and arrangements were being made for him to appear before a virtual court later in the day.”
He is expected to appear at Crown Court tomorrow.
Police scrambled to the home at around 2pm on Sunday after a visitor raised the alarm.
Jackie was found with serious injuries but tragically couldn't be saved.
Her two disabled children were not injured in the horror and it is unclear if they were home at the time.
TRAGIC DEATH
Just 11 days ago Jackie had posted on her Facebook page: "You are strong enough to handle whatever's coming, even if it doesn't feel like it right now."
Stunned neighbours said they saw police cars and an ambulance at the house after the broad daylight tragedy.
Vicki Tester said: "They both look after their disabled children and obviously it’s a full time job.
“We haven’t seen much of them lately because of lockdown.
“Everybody knows them and we all have barbecues in the summer and there’s never been any trouble.”
Jackie, a well-known campaigner, launched a petition calling for free incontinence pads for disabled children, which has been signed more than 88,500.
She spoke out last year saying her children were being denied basic human rights.
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Writing on the petition page, Jackie said: "My name is Jackie. I’m a mother of two wonderful children - Mathew is 15 and Ellie is 8.
"The situation we’re now in is humiliating for myself and for my children. I’m used to constantly fighting for their rights, but can’t believe I’m now having to fight for this too.
"My children didn’t ask to be born with disabilities. All I’m asking for is that they are treated with dignity and respect."
