Andrew Tavener, 45 admitted killing his wife Claire, 27, at the house they shared with their two young sons on January 8
A tree surgeon who was found with ‘life changing injuries’ on a railway line after stabbing his wife to death in their family home has pleaded guilty to her murder.
Andrew Tavener, 45 admitted killing his wife Claire, 27, at the house they shared with their two young sons on January 8.
Barmaid Claire Tavener was discovered with multiple stab wounds at their house in Nailsea, Somerset, after police were called there at about 7am.
Paramedics tried to save the mother-of-two but she later died from her injuries.
At around 7.30am Tavener was arrested after he was found on a railway line after he was struck by a train.
He admitted murder today when he appeared before a judge at Bristol Crown Court, with one hand bandaged.
Judge Peter Blair QC said: ‘You will learn what minimum sentence you will have to face under a life sentence, before the parole board can consider you for release.’
In a statement released by police after her death, Claire’s family said: ‘Claire was an amazing woman, full of life and love for her boys.
‘She made us so proud to be her parents and brother. Her sense of humour and ability to focus on the important things meant she could cope with any situation with ease.’
Claire Tavener was the mother of two young boys Rory, six, and Blake, three who she shared with her husband Andrew
Barmaid Claire was discovered with multiple stab wounds at their house in Nailsea, Somerset, after police were called there at about 7am
The couple, who have two young boys called Rory, six, and Blake, three, married in April 2013 in a white wedding in nearby Clevedon.
A neighbour at the time said: ‘I’m very shocked because it’s a quiet area and there’s never any disturbances. For this to happen on your doorstep is just awful.’
Mr and Mrs Tavener held a New Year’s Eve party for a small group of family and friends shortly before her death, including neighbour Tony Esposito, 38, his wife Melodie and their two sons.
Andrew admitted murder to Claire’s today when he appeared before a judge at Bristol Crown Court, with one hand bandaged
The couple married in April 2013 in a white wedding in nearby Clevedon
Mr Espito said: ‘It’s very shocking. We spent New Year’s Eve with the Taveners and there was not a single sign that there were any problems between the two of them.
‘They are just a really nice couple with two really sweet young boys. The party was attended by quite a lot of their friends.
‘We were invited to the party because our sons are same age. It was a child-friendly event. I barely speak to Andy but our wives get on so I know him by association.
‘We’d say “good morning” or “afternoon” when we’d see each other. I never heard them have any arguments or rowing despite living two doors down.
‘I’m just shocked. They moved in seven years ago. Their son Rory is the same age as one of my sons. The last we saw of them they seemed like a nice couple.’
This is the house in Nailsea, Somerset that the couple shared with their young boys which was searched during the investigation
Mrs Tavener worked part-time at the Old Farmhouse pub in Nailsea. At the time the pub said it was closing ‘due to an extremely delicate situation of loss and bereavement’.
Tavener was remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing on April 10.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
At around 7.30am the same day Tavener was arrested at Nailsea and Backwell train station when he was found on a railway line after he was struck by a train