Woman jailed for murdering mother-in-law in fire for inheritance

A woman who murdered her disabled mother-in-law for inheritance money by setting fire to her bed as she slept has been jailed for life.

Elizabeth Vamplew, 77, died from burns and smoke inhalation after a blaze at her bungalow in Newark, Nottinghamshire, on 15 December 2021.

Karen Vamplew was jailed for a minimum of 32 years on Monday.

The 44-year-old had denied murder but was convicted after a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Passing sentence, Judge Timothy Spencer told Vamplew she had done a “wicked and terrible” thing when she entered the home of Mrs Vamplew, who was sleeping, and lit the corner of her bed.

He said Mrs Vamplew, known as and referred to in court as Anne, was deaf and had poor mobility.

“She must have woken to find her bed on fire,” the judge said.

“Flames, smoke, an inferno and she, unable to hear, confused, terrified.

“This was hell.”