An 80-year-old man who killed his wife in a “uniquely savage” car fire has been given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years and eight months.
Emergency services were called to Sketty Lane, Swansea, near Singleton Hospital, on 22 September.
David Clarke of Higher Lane, Langland, previously admitted murdering Helen Clarke, 77, who died two days later.
The court heard how he repeatedly hit her head with a hammer, doused her with petrol and set fire to her.
Sentencing Clarke at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC described it as a “uniquely savage murder”.
He said Clarke murdered his wife of more than 50 years “in an utterly brutal and merciless manner” which he “knew would cause unimaginable pain and terror”.
“You killed her in a car on a busy road in Swansea when children were on the way to school,” he said.
“When passers-by wanted to help her, you drove off, deliberately preventing them from trying to save her.”
Following the hearing, Rebecca Carter, of the Crown Prosecution Service Cymru Wales, said: “This has been a tragic case.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go to Helen’s family at this difficult time.”