Son jailed for life for mother's murder in Harwell

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Carl Rundle, 42, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years for killing his mother Helen, 64, on 27 January.

Carl Rundle, 42, of The Park, Harwell, was sentenced to life on 23 October after being found guilty of the murder of his mother Helen Rundle, 64, who died on 27 January. Judge Ian Pringle KC said the assault was 'savage and brutal', with the cause of death determined as blunt force injuries to her head and neck on a massive scale.

Mrs Rundle suffered 81 blunt force traumas, 22 rib fractures and three sharp force injuries. After calling the police, Rundle continued to cause harm to his mother in what the judge described as 'a gratuitous act of revenge'. When questioned, he told police officers 'I should have finished her off'.

Rundle claimed he had been physically abused by his mother from a young age and had increasingly begun filming her on his mobile phone. The judge rejected his account of who was controlling in the relationship, saying Rundle was the one who wanted to control the situation and intimidate his ageing mother. The judge noted that in footage shown to the jury, Rundle told viewers to look at his mother's 'evil eyes', to which she responded 'you're making my life an absolute misery'.

Rundle's brother Chris told the court the family situation was complicated, saying the family loved both Carl and their mother and were grieving in different ways while coming to terms with their mother's death and Carl's imprisonment.

How it is being reported

• Son jailed for life after 'brutal' and 'savage' murder of motherA man has been jailed for life after the 'brutal' murder of his mother in the home they shared.Oxford Mail · 23 Oct, 09:37
• Son jailed for life after 'brutal' and 'savage' murder of motherA man has been jailed for life after the 'brutal' murder of his mother in the home they shared.Oxfordshire Guardian · 23 Oct, 09:37

In this story: Carl Rundle · Helen Rundle · Judge Ian Pringle KC · Harwell · Oxfordshire

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