Sister of army officer, 78, ‘stabbed to death’ as wife is arrested says brother ‘didn’t deserve what he got’
THE sister of an army officer allegedly stabbed to death by his wife says her brother "didn't deserve what he got".
Retired accountant Penelope Jackson, 65, is accused of murdering her fourth husband, 78-year-old David Jackson, after he was found at their home with multiple stab wounds.
Cops and paramedics rushed to the couple’s home in Berrow, Somerset, shortly after 9pm on Saturday where David was pronounced dead.
Jackson is accused of murder and was remanded in custody on Monday at Taunton Magistrates Court.
Jackson was previously married in 1972, 1981 and 1988.
The couple tied the knot in 1996 lived at a £300k detached bungalow where residents described them as the “perfect neighbours”.
A post-mortem revealed he had died following a number of stab wounds.
David’s sister Jenny Bliss, 77, has now paid tribute to her brother.
Speaking at their home in Cradley Heath, West Mids, Jenny confirmed that Penny had been married four times, and David three times.
David has children from his previous marriages.
David served from age 17 to 53 in the army in the Royal Logistics Corp, rising to rank of Lieutenant General. He and Penny both then worked for the Ministry of Defence.
Jenny said: “He was a lovely man. He didn’t deserve what he got.
“They had been married 25 years in total. It’s very sad.
“They had so much to live for. They had a beautiful home, they weren’t short of money. They travelled when they could. They were both well respected, both of them.
“He served in the army and she served in the Ministry of Defence, high up, actually.
“David was a genuine guy. He was kind. It’s sad. He was a gentleman, he was very polite.
“We spoke to them at least twice a week. Every Sunday and every Tuesday, since we’ve been in lockdown."
“We can only say a good word about David. I couldn’t have wished for a nicer brother.
“He loved life. He was a keen golfer and an ardent Birmingham City FC supporter.
“David really was an amazing man."
Jenny’s husband Brian added: "He was a lovely man.
“He didn’t deserve what he got. He was Lieutenant General in the army, in the Royal Logistics Corp.
"He signed on himself when he was 17 and stayed there until 53.
“He served abroad in Germany. After that he worked for the MoD, he was working on the buildings and the grounds."
Yesterday forensics were seen collecting evidence at the bunga low from behind a police cordon.
One local said: “David was a lovely gentleman who wouldn’t say boo to a goose.
“He and his wife Penny did their front garden up last summer, they were both very houseproud.”
Another neighbour said: “They were perfect neighbours really.
“He always seemed very friendly and cheerful.
"I only knew him to say hello to in the street as I was walking my dog," said one resident, who did not want to be named.
"The whole community is shocked by what's happened. You don't expect to see police vans and forensic teams searching homes here.”
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Formal identification is yet to take place, but we believe the man to be David Jackson.
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“His family have been informed and are receiving support from a specialist family liaison officer at this difficult time.
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“They have asked for their privacy to be respected.
“We'd urge anyone with concerns about the incident to speak with the officers in the area and they will be happy to help.”
