Family of woman strangled urge others to find bravery and seek support as killer jailed for life

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday, 31st October 2024, at 15:00hrs

Killer made chilling phone call to police confessing his crime

The family of a woman strangled to death by her partner has urged others in violent domestic relationships to find the bravery to seek support before it’s too late.

This comes after Ruth Baker was murdered by her partner, who strangled her at his home in Leeds earlier this year before calling the Police and confessing to his crime.

George Chalmers, 54, of Tempest Road, Leeds, was arrested on suspicion of murder and later charged. He has now been sentenced to life imprisonment and told he must serve a minimum of 17 years and 6 months before being considered for parole by a judge at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday.

In a statement released after sentencing, West Yorkshire Police said:

“George Chalmers, aged 54, of Tempest Road, Leeds was jailed for a minimum term of 17 years and six months at Leeds Crown Court today (Wednesday) for the murder of Ruth Baker at his house earlier this year. 

Chalmers called officers to his house on Saturday, 30 March and told them he had strangled Ms Baker, 48, following an argument.

Despite receiving medical attention, Ms Baker was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 

Chalmers was arrested at the scene and taken into custody, where he was later charged with Ms Baker’s murder. 

A post mortem examination found that Ms Baker had died of compression of the neck. 

Speaking after Chalmers had been sentenced, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Emma Winfield, said:

“Our sympathies remain with the family of Ruth Baker at this very sad time. 

“We hope that they can take some comfort in knowing that Chalmers has now been jailed for life.”

Ruth’s family have issued the following statement:

“We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the prosecution team for all their hard work and the liaison officers for all the support we have been given over the past seven months. We are so grateful too for the love and support we have received from our family and close friends. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to urge all those people who find themselves stuck in an unsafe relationship to find the strength to seek out support and find bravery to out before they too are taken from us unnecessarily.”