FAMILY STATEMENT: Goldsmith '˜destroyed' the life of wife's family after murdering her at their home in Northamptonshire

Adrian Goldsmith, 50, of Wootton Hall Park, Wootton, Northampton, was today found guilty of the murder of his wife, Jill Goldsmith, 49.

A statement prepared by Jill’s family, particularly Charlie her son, Kevin her brother, and Janet her mother, said: “Adrian Goldsmith has not only taken the life of Jill, but he’s also destroyed the life of her son, her mother and her brother.

“Jill was a caring, fun loving person who lived life to the full. She had many good friends and was loved by everyone.

“On behalf of the whole family we would like to thank the police investigation team and the Crown Prosecution Service for bringing Adrian Goldsmith to justice. We would also like to thank the members of the jury who saw through Adrian Goldsmith as well.

“Adrian Goldsmith has left us all devastated by the actions he took that day, we will think of Jill every day and miss her for the rest of our lives.”

Goldsmith, known as Otis, was a serving Northamptonshire police officer at the time he committed the murder in March 2015.

While off-duty and at their family home, Goldsmith and Jill were involved in a verbal and physical altercation, which ended with the death of Jill.

A post mortem concluded that she had died as a result of head injuries.

Officers, who attended the address following a 999 call by Goldsmith, arrested him and he was later charged with the murder of his wife.

Goldsmith was found guilty following a three week trial at Stafford Crown Court.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Frost, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Jill Goldsmith.

“Otis Goldsmith committed one of the worst crimes possible, taking the life of his wife. The guilty verdict today, I hope, will help bring some form of closure to Jill’s family who have had to endure a trial during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

“Otis Goldsmith was a police officer of 28 years. What he did profoundly affected many, both within and outside of Northamptonshire Police.

“Given the nature of this case and the fact that Otis was a police officer, we made every effort to be open and transparent to the extent that no Northamptonshire police officers were involved in the investigation.”

Detective Superintendent Kate Meynell, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, who led the investigation, said: “This was a high profile case, of the highest gravity. It was led by the East Midlands Unit and independent from Northamptonshire Police. We are pleased with the verdict of the court.”