Bridgend man jailed for 14 years after murdering wife
Emergency services confirmed Tracey Davies had died at the scene.
A man has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of murdering his wife at their home in Cefn Cribwr, near Bridgend.
57-year-old Michael Davies, of Cefn Road, Bridgend, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Friday 2nd October, following the death of his wife, Tracey Davies.
South Wales Police said they received an emergency call just before 9.20pm on the evening of 18th April, from a family member who had gone to check on the couple after not having contact with them for 24 hours.
Upon entering the couple's home on Bryn Terrace, the family member discovered Tracey Davies dead in the bedroom, and Michael Davies unconscious with stab wound injuries.
Emergency services confirmed Tracey Davies had died at the scene.
Michael Davies was taken to hospital and later arrested on suspicion of murder.
A postmortem examination found that Mrs Davies had died as a result of strangulation.
Mr Davies was released from hospital a week later. During a police interview, he admitted strangling his wife but gave no explanation as to why.
He said he had taken an overdose before stabbing himself.
The investigation found that Michael Davies, who had been working away in Abu Dhabi, had returned home to Cefn Cribwr because of poor mental health. He told officers he had felt insecure, jealous and paranoid that his wife might leave him.
Michael Davies pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, having been assessed as suffering from a depressive disorder and anxiety at the time of the offence.
However, a jury heard evidence from three forensic psychiatrists who had assessed Mr Davies. After considering all the evidence, the jury determined that he did not have the defence of diminished responsibility, and returned a guilty verdict for murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton, of South Wales Police, said: "Today's sentencing reflects the gravity of Michael Davies's actions. Tracey Davies' death and the manner in which she was killed has deeply affected not only the immediate family but also the wider community who knew her."
She added: "During the trial it was highlighted that Tracey Davies was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend for whom family meant everything. She would do anything for anyone and was nothing but a supportive and loving wife to Mr Davies. We hope that today's sentencing will provide some comfort to Tracey's family and friends, though acknowledge their grief may never be overcome."
DCI Lamerton continued: "The events of April 18 and the murder of Tracey Davies were not foreseen. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about mental health and domestic violence, ensuring that individuals have access to the support they need. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to local services or helplines for assistance."
In a tribute, Tracey's family said: "As a family we have not and will never come to terms with losing Tracey. To lose her in such a horrendous and violent way only worsens the pain that we feel. No length of sentence given to Michael will ever bring back Tracey and will never reflect the sentence that we as a family are serving having to live our lives without Tracey."
They continued: "She was a devoted mother, a cherished sister, a loyal friend, a loving cousin and aunty and a truly radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room. Her children were her greatest pride, and she fought for them with unmatched devotion. Tracey is so loved and missed. We will always remember her."