Abi Fisher: Man admits strangling his wife, 29, to death just six months after welcoming IVF daughter

A man could be jailed for life as he admitted fatally strangling his wife - six months after they welcomed a baby girl via IVF.

Matthew Fisher, 29, pleaded guilty to murdering Abi Fisher, also 29, whose body was found in undergrowth 12 miles from her home following a major police hunt.

Wearing a grey T-shirt, Fisher confirmed his name, date of birth and plea during a brief appearance at court via video link this morning.

He will be sentenced on November 10, providing full medical reports have been received.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC warned him that murder comes with a life sentence, but the minimum term will have to be determined.

He said: “The sentence will be life imprisonment, come what may.

“It’s necessary for the judge to set a minimum term.

“There are certain matters that need to be considered before then.”

Abi, a primary school teacher, was reported missing from her home on July 9.

Her family said her disappearance “completely out of character” and a major police search was launched.

During the search, Fisher had posted on Facebook: “Has anyone seen Abi if you have can you please let me know or get her to give me a ring.”

Her body was found by police officers the next day in undergrowth next to a country lane in South Yorkshire - more than 12 miles from her home.

Fisher was arrested and charged with her murder just days later.

Abi had given birth to their daughter Sydney just six months before her death, after going through fertility treatment.

An inquest opening into her death heard the provisional cause of death was strangulation, though further investigations were underway.

At the time of her death, her family paid tribute to her, describing her as a “beautiful angel” and said they were “utterly devastated” about their loss.

A statement released after her death read: “Our beautiful Abi. Words cannot describe how utterly devastated we are at the loss of you.

“We miss you dearly. We promise to make you proud every single day, and will continue to bring up your amazing little baby girl the way you would.

“Heaven may have gained an angel but we have lost you and that for us seems like the most unjust act to happen.

“We as a family would like to thank every single person who showed enough heart and love to look for our precious angel.

“Words will never describe how much this means. For now our beautiful angel. We love you so much.”

Matthew Jones, head teacher at the school where Abi, of Castleford, West Yorkshire, taught Year Three children, also paid tribute, saying: “She will be remembered as an enthusiastic, kind and caring teacher and colleague, who gave her all each day.

“In particular, her passion for science inspired countless children over the years - she made a real difference to so many lives.

“We are all devastated by Abi’s tragic death, and will continue to pray for her and her family.

“As a school we are supporting each other through this very difficult time.”

Fisher, currently housed at HMP Leeds, will be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on 10 November.