Brit pensioner faces 4 years in prison after reversing over wife in manslaughter case

A British pensioner was found guilty of manslaughter and is facing up to four years in prison after reversing over his wife, killing her, outside their home in the southeastern Spanish region of Murcia. Michael John Carter, 73, reportedly killed his wife Vanessa, 56, outside their property in Camposol, near the Costa Calida resort town of Mazarron, after a day-long binge drinking session.

Carter was originally charged with murder, which could have resulted in a 25-year sentence behind bars for the British pensioner. However, a Murcia court convicted Carter of manslaughter instead.

The events leading up to Vanessa’s death: Horror vehicle accident in Camposol

On the day of the horror incident, the pensioner had been binge drinking beer and wine in local pubs, according to reports. Afterward, according to public prosecutors, Carter deliberately attacked wife Vanessa by reversing over her, resulting in her tragic death.

Prosecutors insist Vanessa’s wounds imply brutal beating

Public prosecutors accused Carter of battering Vanessa in a “sudden” attack, before “kicking her forcefully all over her body several times” with the “intention of inflicting great pain and severe physical and psychological suffering”. According to them, he also jumped onto her chest and clamped his hand over her mouth.

Additionally, two forensic experts who carried out Vanessa’s autopsy claimed her injuries, which included multiple broken ribs, could not have been caused by this low-speed reversing accident alone, stating that her wounds were more compatible with violent kicks, punches, and beatings.

Vanessa’s sister also provided video evidence wherein the victim confided in her about how Carter had allegedly mistreated her during their relationship.

A neighbour who bore witness to the tragic event also told the jury that Carter acted “without compassion” immediately following his wife’s death.

However, Carter insists his wife died in a tragic accident, claiming he did not realise he had run her over while reversing his car outside their Spanish home.

Jury clears Carter of murder charges, but the pensioner faces manslaughter conviction

All nine jury members unanimously acquitted Carter of aggravated murder charges, but the expatriate was instead convicted of manslaughter, facing a potential four years in prison. Prosecutors and a private lawyer representing the family of Vanessa are urging for Carter to serve the maximum term he can receive under Spanish law.

They are also pushing for the trial judge to hit Carter with a six-year driving ban and a court order to pay £18,300, or €21,940, in compensation to Vanessa’s sister.

Following the verdict, Carter’s lawyer called on the judge to free his client as soon as possible, stating that his voluntary payout of part of the compensation should count as a mitigating factor. Carter’s lawyer also stated that he had no “will to kill” and there was an absence of “any conduct aimed at causing the victim’s death”.

Carter’s version of events

Furthermore, according to Carter, he suffers from Buerger’s disease, an inflammatory condition that causes blood vessels in the arms, legs, hands and feet to become inflamed, rendering him unable to kick or punch anyone: “I can’t even stand on one leg.”

Carter continued, telling the court his version of events: His wife had entered the house to secure their dogs.

“I stayed in the car for two minutes and didn’t see any lights come on, so I backed the car up to get a better look. When I got out of the vehicle, I saw Vanessa in front of the car. As soon as I saw her lying there, I rushed over as quickly as I could and tried to wake her.”

In the end, the jurors found that Vanessa fell behind the car before her husband reversed over her, causing her death without intending to kill her. They also found that he had remained inside the vehicle while she entered their home.

According to law enforcement officials, Carter had previously been reported for domestic violence. However, there is no active case against him on Spain’s database.