The ex-parnter of a woman who was brutally murdered outside her home in West Molesey has been jailed for forging her will.

Robert Webb, of Walton Road in West Molesey, appeared at Kingston Crown Court yesterday (October 4), after previously pleading guilty to one count of fraud by false representation.

The 53-year-old was the estranged partner of Robyn Mercer, who was killed outside her home on March 14, 2016.

The mother of two was discovered by a neighbour the next morning and detectives believe she was bludgeoned to death by an axe or machete.

Suspicions arose after Webb told police he discovered a draft of his ex-partner's will wedged between two books at home.

He claimed that she had signed this document but had not got round to having this signed by witnesses.

Webb was arrested in October 2016 and an examination of the will found that the signature was not Robyn's at all.

He later admitted in court that he had asked two witnesses to sign the document after Robyn’s murder either on or just before September 20, 2016.

Webb pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced to eight months in prison.

Leading the murder investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Paddy Mayers said: “This is an incredibly serious offence. Webb’s actions were absolutely disgraceful and extremely selfish.

"He attempted to take advantage of what was already an extremely difficult time for Robyn’s family, particularly her two children, who Webb callously tried to cheat out of what was rightfully theirs.

"The investigation into Robyn’s murder is ongoing and we are fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice. I would urge anyone with any information, however small they feel the information to be to contact us quoting Operation Zebu or to anonymously contact us via Crimestoppers.”