Sir Richard Sutton: Thomas Schreiber jailed for life over millionaire hotelier’s murder

Thomas Schreiber must serve at least 36 years for the murder of millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton, and attempted murder of his mum Anne Schreiber
Thomas Schreiber murdered millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton and attempted to murder his mother Anne SchreiberThomas Schreiber murdered millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton and attempted to murder his mother Anne Schreiber
Thomas Schreiber murdered millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton and attempted to murder his mother Anne Schreiber

An artist found guilty of the murder of millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton and the attempted murder of his own mother has been jailed for life and must serve at least 36 years.

Thomas Schreiber, 35, appeared for sentencing at Winchester Crown Court after being convicted on Friday following a three-week trial of stabbing the pair at the baronet’s country estate near Gillingham, Dorset.

At a glance 5 key points

  • Schreiber carried out the knife attack on 7 April at Sir Richard’s estate near Gillingham
  • The 83-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene
  • Schreiber’s mother, Anne, 66, was left paralysed by the attack
  • 35-year-old Schreiber must serve at least 36 years in jail
  • In a letter to the judge he said he was in ‘total shock’ that he could be capable of such actions
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He had admitted manslaughter but denied the murder of the baronet, saying he had “lost control” of himself and had not intended to hurt him or his mother.

The trial heard the defendant was angry with his mother for “abandoning” his father, who suffered from depression, to move in with Sir Richard.

Schreiber carried out the “horror show” knife attack on the pair on April 7 2021 – the eighth anniversary of the death of his alcoholic father David Schreiber – after he said his mother Anne Schreiber shouted at him for being “drunk like his father”.

He told the court: “I just went completely crazy, I completely snapped and I just launched for her and began attacking her uncontrollably.”

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Ms Schreiber suffered up to 15 separate injuries on her head and body, including a partially severed spinal cord which has left her paralysed.

Sir Richard suffered three deep wounds to his face and five to his chest, up to 12cm deep.

Schreiber had also pleaded guilty to driving a Range Rover dangerously on the A303, A4 and M3 when he failed to stop for armed police in a 135mph pursuit into central London.

As he was detained in Chiswick, the defendant stabbed himself in the chest and told officers: “Please kill me now, please just shoot me.”

Thomas Schreiber Thomas Schreiber
Thomas Schreiber

What was said during sentencing?

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In a letter to the judge ahead of sentencing, Thomas Schreiber said: “I am writing to you in order to express my heartfelt shame and total disgust by my words and actions on 7 April against my family and Richard.

“All I wish to do is travel back in time to that terrible day so I can change everything and bring Sir Richard and my mother back to life.”

Expressing his wish that he had sought help for his mental health, Schreiber added: “I have been a coward, hugely arrogant and selfish in my behaviour. I am so sorry for this and wish I had the clarity of thought I have now, I remain in total shock and horror that I could be capable of such actions.”

He added: “This was not the actions of a demonic monster but someone in need of help and intervention.”

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During a break in proceedings, Schreiber, crying, spoke to his sisters from the dock, saying: “I am so sorry, I really am, I love you.”

Speaking directly to her brother, Rose McCarthy gave a statement at the hearing, saying: “You took a knife to our world. In doing so you took away Richard, you took away the most innocent and kindest of men in the most brutal of ways. He never stood a chance.

“You also killed our mother, you took her life away and left her trapped in a body she can’t use, and is in constant pain.

“She can’t even wipe away her own tears. You destroyed everything, Mum can’t even hold her own grandchildren, she can’t give me a hug.”

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Sir Richard’s son, Sir David Sutton told the court: “This was a senseless act that has taken away the life all too early of a generous, loving, elderly man who only wanted to enjoy his twilight years.”

Sir Richard’s daughter Caroline Sutton said in a statement read to court: “My father was the kindest and most generous man you’d ever meet.”

She added: “His life was ended so abruptly and in such an unimaginably cruel manner by an individual that he welcomed into his home as a member of his family for years.”

Sir Richard Sutton and and Anne SchreiberSir Richard Sutton and and Anne Schreiber
Sir Richard Sutton and and Anne Schreiber

What did the judge say?

Sentencing Schreiber, the judge Mr Justice Garnham told him: “Your actions have caused utter devastation in the Sutton and Schreiber families.”

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He added: “You treated Sir Richard’s house and possessions as if they were your own.

“You showed neither him or your mother any respect, instead during your time in their home you displayed a breath-taking sense of entitlement, at times you left Sir Richard feeling like a prisoner in his own home.

“You are a man with a very bad temper.”

This article will continue to be updated throughout the day

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