Shropshire Star

Belen Tripp murder: 'He took my sister and best friend'

The family of Belen Tripp today paid tribute to her as a woman who was loved by friends and family.

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The 52-year-old was murdered by her husband Peter at their home in Ketley Bank, Telford. The 70-year-old pleaded guilty to her murder during a short appearance at Stafford Crown Court yesterday, where he was jailed for life.

Davina Beetlestone, sister of Belen Tripp and one of four daughters, spoke following the case. She said: "The death of Belen has had an overwhelming effect on my life and that of my family.

Peter Tripp

"She was a larger-than-life character, loved by many. She had lots of friends in the area, not just the Filipino community but friends she met along the way.

"The loss has been immense and words cannot describe how empty this has left us."

Mrs Beetlestone said that she had urged her sister to leave Tripp because of their unhappy marriage.

She said: "I thought the reason she never left him was because she was religious and marriage is for life and once made you should not go back on it

"The death of Belen has devastated our whole family and our community. He has taken away not only my sister but my best friend.

"Every day I wake up and realise that she is not here any more and she was taken away by a horrible and very crazy man.

"How unbelievable that I have to accept that my sister was murdered by the man who was supposed to care for her."

Police today urged domestic abuse sufferers to seek help following the tragic case.

Following Peter Tripp's life sentence for her murder, West Mercia Police urged other people who may be suffering from domestic abuse to come forward.

Mrs Tripp was commended for her bravery in calling emergency services during the fatal attack.

Her 999 call was played to the court during the sentencing hearing at Stafford Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy said: "Belen Tripp suffered horrific abuse at the end of her life, at the hands of her husband. We hope that the jail sentence handed to Peter Tripp gives some comfort to Belen's family who have had to come to terms with the loss of Belen in the most painful way.

"I would like to take this opportunity to commend Belen for her courage in calling for help, despite suffering tremendous abuse.

"In spite of her immense courage the injuries inflicted upon her by her husband were too severe and she paid the ultimate price.

"Nobody should suffer such violence at the hands of a family member. I urge anyone suffering domestic violence and abuse to seek help." Anyone looking for more information about domestic violence and abuse and where to go to for help should visit the West Mercia Police's website.

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