A husband who murdered his wife with a hammer hid her body in the family’s chest freezer and spent around two weeks deceiving her loved ones into believing she was recovering in hospital.

David Barraclough, 46, killed Carolann Barraclough at their home in Horbury, near Wakefield, between 19 and 21 February.

He then tied up the mother of three’s body and concealed it in a freezer in the utility room — stopping the children from entering while telling them their mother was still alive.

Leeds Crown Court heard Barraclough repeatedly lied to her children, relatives, friends and neighbours, claiming she was ill in hospital and that he was the only person allowed to visit.

He also took control of her phone, sending messages pretending to be Carolann and suggesting she would soon be coming home.

While her family waited, Barraclough visited pubs, withdrew large amounts of money from the couple’s joint bank account and downloaded Tinder just two days after her death, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The concealment ended on 5 March when he walked into Normanton Police Station and told a receptionist: “I’ve killed my wife.”

Officers sent to the house discovered Carolann’s body inside the freezer.

Barraclough later claimed he had acted in self-defence after she struck him with a hammer. He described himself as heartbroken, confused and in a haze.

Prosecutors rejected that account, saying CCTV footage showed him without visible injuries.

They also pointed to his actions after the killing, including the sustained deception of Carolann’s loved ones.

Barraclough admitted murder on the first day of his trial but refused to attend his sentencing hearing.

He was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of 22 years and one month before he can be considered for parole.

Release after that period is not automatic.