TRIBUTES have been paid to a Suffolk mother after her husband was found guilty of killing her.

THE devastated children of a Suffolk mother killed by her husband with a blow to her neck have today described her as “one in a million”.

Anthony Morley, 42, of Eagle Walk, Bury St Edmunds, was this morning found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court following a week-long trial into the death of his wife Joanna.

Mrs Morley, 42, died in June last year after her husband punched her in the neck during a row causing an artery to rupture.

In a heartfelt statement, Mrs Morley's six “inconsolable” children said: “Our mother was a one in a million who can never be replaced.

“No more cuddles, no more kisses, no more love, no mother to share with our worries or good news. We pray she is watching over us, but we miss her very, very much.”

And a general family statement read: “The needless loss of a mother, daughter, sister and friend has devastated the whole family and no sentence can bring her back.

“Her three older children and the three children under 16 are now facing a life without the maternal love and support required to meet the challenges growing up brings.

“We hope Mr Morley realises the number of lives he has ruined in the process of taking one life. We are grateful to the jury for their time and in reaching the correct verdict.

“We would like to thank Suffolk Constabulary and in particular Det Insp Martin Wright and our family liaison officers, detective constables Julie Bartlett, Toni Lang and Ken Linten. Now this is over the family wish to be left in peace to grieve their loss.”

Morley, who denied the offence, had earlier told police he had pushed his wife after she had been drunk and aggressive to him when they went to bed.

He denied punching her and said he had no reason to believe she was seriously hurt when he left her. Morley, who chose not to give evidence during the trial, was released on conditional bail and will return to the court in the week beginning May 19 for sentence.