BRIDGEND MURDER: Husband who strangled Tracey Davies at their Cefn Cribwr home jailed for life
Michael Davies has been jailed for life for murdering his wife Tracey at their home in Cefn Cribwr, and must serve at least 14 years before he can be considered for release.
The 57-year-old, now of Cefn Road, Bridgend, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Friday.
A jury found him guilty of murder last month, rejecting his claim that he was not fully responsible because of his mental health.
Tracey Davies, whose family say her laughter could light up any room (Image: South Wales Police)‘The sentence that we as a family are serving’
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.”
They said: “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.”
Her family described the 48-year-old as “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,” they said.
Found by a relative checking on the couple
A relative went to the couple’s home on Bryn Terrace on the evening of 18 April last year, after the family had heard nothing from them for 24 hours, and called police just before 9.20pm.
Tracey was found dead in a bedroom and Davies was unconscious with stab wounds. A post-mortem examination found she had been strangled.
Davies was taken to hospital and arrested, and was charged with her murder after he was discharged.
In a police interview he admitted strangling his wife but gave no reason, South Wales Police said. He told officers he had taken an overdose before stabbing himself.
Three psychiatrists, one verdict
Davies, who worked away in Abu Dhabi, had come home because of his poor mental health, the force said, and had reported feeling insecure, jealous and paranoid that his wife might leave him.
He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, having been assessed as suffering from depressive disorder and anxiety. The jury heard from three forensic psychiatrists and rejected that defence.
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 said Tracey “would do anything for anyone and was nothing but a supportive and loving wife to Mr Davies”, and that the force hoped the sentence would bring her family some comfort, “though acknowledge their grief may never be overcome”.
“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,” she said.
If you are affected by domestic abuse, the Live Fear Free helpline is free and open 24 hours on 0808 80 10 800. Samaritans are available any time on 116 123.
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