THE horrific murders of a wife and neighbour in a quiet housing estate left two families heartbroken.

Amy Appleton, 32, and Sandy Seagrave, 76, were bludgeoned to death on a driveway in Hazel Way, Crawley Down on December 22 last year.

Amy’s husband Daniel Appleton, 38, was found guilty of their murders after a month-long trial at Hove Crown Court.

Amy was a popular school teacher at the Copthorne Church of England primary school and a committed member of St John’s Church there.

Sandy was a “feisty”, “independent” and “brave” woman who loved children and animals.

Their deaths left the families and community in shock and tributes were left at the school and in the village.

The Argus:

Hove Crown Court had heard how Appleton met Amy and they held their wedding reception at the same restaurant in Brighton where they had gone for a first date.

They married in 2018 and put their honeymoon on hold until a year later, where they went on a European road trip, returning in September.

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The couple believed things were going well and had talked about the prospect of starting a family together.

But Amy’s family were left devastated by her killing in December last year.

At the time they said: “We have lost a beautiful, caring daughter, sister and friend.

“Amy had an amazing personality.

The Argus:

“She was such a strong, positive person who always smiled.

“She was a rock for her family, a rock for her friends and most of all a rock for herself.

“Amy always thought of others before herself.

“Amy led the life she was destined to fill, following her passions. Her school will be missing an incredible, dedicated teacher, she gave 110 per cent to her pupils.

“Her light will always shine in our lives but a hole has been left with broken hearts.

“The whole family would like to send heartfelt thanks for all kind messages and thoughtful tributes. Keep shining our girl, you will forever be in our hearts.”

The Argus:

Meanwhile Sandy Seagrave’s family said: “She was one of a kind, an eccentric character who was stubbornly independent, feisty, brave and not afraid of anything.

“She was devoted to children and especially animals, including a wild fox who we are continuing to feed now that she has gone.”