Epsom College – latest: Murdered headteacher’s husband ran failed firm before deaths
Emma Pattison allegedly slapped husband George in the face during prior incident seven years ago
The husband of late Epsom College head Emma Pattison had set up a wine importing company as he wanted to “do something better” than being an accountant, according to a report.
Police are investigating the deaths of Pattison and her family but believe husband George Pattison, 39, killed the headteacher and their daughter before shooting himself.
George Pattison’s wine company was ultimately unsuccessful, folding in 2016. In a pitch for the business, he described himself as a “career accountant desperate to do something better with his days”, according to the Telegraph.
It has also come to light that the couple hosted a dinner party hours before their deaths.
A friend told The Sun: “On Saturday night they threw a dinner party. It was quite an intimate affair and literally turned out to be their last supper.
“Nothing unusual happened. There were no arguments, no indication he would go on to do something so horrific a short time later.”
Earlier, it was reported that Ms Pattison was arrested seven years ago after a domestic row with her husband.
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ICYMI: Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ headteacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.
Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.
Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ teacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute
Headteacher ‘arrested seven years ago after domestic row with her husband’
Headteacher Emma Pattison was reportedly arrested seven years ago after a domestic row with her husband, George Pattison.
Mrs Pattison, who police believe was shot by her partner, allegedly slapped Mr Pattison around the face, Sky News reported.
He phoned the police and they arrested Mrs Pattison on suspicion of common assault, but she was later released without charge.
ICYMI: Former neighbour laments ‘unimaginable’ death of ‘very bubbly’ Emma Pattison
A former neighbour of the family has described Emma Pattison as “very bubbly” as they described her suspected murder at the hands of husband George as “just shocking and unimaginable”.
“She was very bubbly, she was out jogging a lot,” they told The Sun. “He was quiet. All I know about him is that he was a financial guy.
“I got nothing more than a wave from him in four years, whereas Emma I often chatted to. She was more outgoing. I would see her out with the daughter, running and playing on the bike.”
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Emma Pattison was appointed the 14th headteacher of Epsom College last September – becoming the first woman to hold the role.
She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.
Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.
Matt Mathers has more details:
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
ICYMI: Police ‘working around the clock’
Police are “working around the clock” on the homicide case at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point.
“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives.”
Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death
Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?
Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Emma Pattison was appointed the 14th headteacher of Epsom College last September – becoming the first woman to hold the role.
She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.
Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.
My colleague Matt Mathers has more details: