A GP who had treated members of the Royal Family died after allegedly being struck in the head with an axe and strangled by her husband during a children’s sleepover, a court heard.
Mark Cain, 45, later contacted police and reported that his home had been burgled, the court was told.
He claimed he had confronted an intruder downstairs while his wife, Hannah, 45, was sleeping upstairs at their home in Dersingham, near the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
However, Mrs Cain was subsequently discovered injured, unconscious and unresponsive in a bedroom.
Cain, who was described as a man of “previous good character”, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday.
Appearing by videolink from prison at King’s Lynn Crown Court, Cain showed no emotion as prosecutor Steven Ball set out the allegations.
Mr Ball said police were called in the early hours after Cain reported a suspected burglary at the property.
“Mr Cain was seen to have superficial wounds,” he said. “He informed police that he had been involved in a confrontation with an intruder downstairs while his wife was asleep upstairs.”
The couple’s three children, aged eight, 11 and 13, were upstairs at the time, along with two children from another family who had been staying for a sleepover.
Mrs Cain was found in an upstairs bedroom, unconscious and showing no signs of responsiveness.
Mark Cain appeared in court this morning charged with murdering his wife Hannah (both pictured with their two children)
A court artist sketch of Cain appearing via videolink at King’s Lynn Crown Court today
Dr Hannah Terry, as she was known professionally, was a GP who had served the Royal Family
The court heard that initial post-mortem findings indicated a blunt-force injury to the head, while injuries to the neck were consistent with compression.
Cain later provided police with further information, including details relating to the alleged circumstances of his wife’s death, the court was told.
Mr Justice Lickley KC told the defendant that the case would be adjourned until December 3 so he could be assessed for the purposes of medical reports.
A provisional trial date in June next year at Norwich Crown Court was discussed, although no date has yet been confirmed.
Mrs Cain, professionally known as Dr Hannah Terry, was a GP who reportedly worked with members of the Royal Family and treated senior figures including Queen Camilla.
The King and Queen are understood to have been informed of her death.
The surgery in nearby Grimston, where Mrs Cain worked, closed on Monday. Colleagues said the decision followed “extremely difficult circumstances affecting our practice team”.
A surgery spokesman said on social media: ‘We are sorry to let patients know that Grimston Medical Centre, including the dispensary, is temporarily closed due to extremely difficult circumstances affecting our practice team.
‘We apologise for the disruption and appreciate your patience and understanding at what is a very difficult time for our colleagues.’
The centre said: ‘We have lost an outstanding doctor, a cherished colleague and a friend, and her absence will be felt deeply across our health community.
‘The profound sense of shock and sadness across our practices and the wider NHS community speaks to the impact Hannah had on so many people.’
The statement continued: ‘Hannah was an exceptional doctor and a deeply valued member of our NHS and primary care community.
‘Highly intelligent, kind and generous, she brought warmth and positivity to those around her.
‘She gave freely of her time and knowledge and, in the words of colleagues who knew her well, was simply a joy to know and work with.
‘Throughout her career, Hannah earned the trust and respect of colleagues through her professionalism, skill and commitment.
‘From her time in training through to becoming an accomplished doctor, she approached her work with tremendous care and a genuine determination to make a difference.
‘That was particularly evident in the way Hannah cared for her patients. She was a passionate advocate for people, taking time to listen and ensuring everyone felt heard, understood and cared for.
‘Improving patient care mattered deeply to her and was at the heart of her work.’
Known professionally as Dr Hannah Terry, Mrs Cain also worked for the cosmetic treatments business Norfolk Sky Aesthetics.
Bouquets and tributes were left at the scene in the hours after Mrs Cain’s death as forensics teams and police officers began their investigation.
Villagers described the area as a normally peaceful spot and said they had been shocked by the tragedy.
Forensic teams begin their investigation near the home in Dersingham, Norfolk, on Monday
One local, who described how Mrs Cain had lived in the area for around ten years, said: ‘She was just a lovely human being with three gorgeous young children.’
A neighbour in his 90s added: ‘I very rarely saw them. The children were lovely, two boys and a younger girl.
‘They used to kick their football into my garden and I’d throw it back to them, or they’d come and ask me if they could come in and look for it.’
Another man who has lived in the area for half a century said there was little crime there. He said: ‘Dersingham might not have a centre but it’s got a heart.’
One resident added: ‘It’s the sort of place where if you forget to lock your car and leave it out all night nothing will happen to it.’
Meanwhile, a mourner posted on Facebook: ‘Fly high and sleep well Dr Terry. You never deserved this to happen, heaven has gained an angel.
‘You were a lovely doctor who listened to us and helped us. Thinking of you and your family and your children and friends.’
A statement released by Norfolk Police on Tuesday read: ‘A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Dersingham.
‘He was arrested after a woman’s body was found at an address in Fern Hill in the early hours of Sunday, 4 October, 2026.
‘Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings the woman has been identified as 45-year-old Hannah Cain.
‘A Home Office post-mortem examination took place yesterday – the outcome of which is that the cause of death is pending further investigation.
‘This afternoon 45-year-old Mark Cain, of Fern Hill, Dersingham was charged with Hannah’s murder.
‘He has been remanded in custody to appear before Norwich Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
‘Specialist officers are continuing to support Hannah’s family, who have asked for privacy at this difficult time.’
