Women Killed by Men in Wales Since 2020

In Wales, a minimum of 18 women have been killed by men since January 2020. A significant number of these incidents involved violent assaults that led to murder convictions. The victims’ ages spanned from 16 to 87 years old. Each individual had a unique life story and is mourned by loved ones. A warning: This report includes descriptions of violence. In every instance, these women were either killed by a man, or a man has been charged in relation to their deaths. Among those accused or convicted of these homicides are husbands, former partners, and sons. Every one of these women has left behind grieving families. These families wish for their loved ones to be remembered for the lives they lived, rather than for their violent ends. Earlier this year, the National Police Chiefs Council designated violence against women and girls as a national emergency. Amanda Blakeman, who serves as Chief Constable of North Wales Police and holds the leadership role for this issue in Wales, stated: “My heart goes out to the families and friends of all these women whose lives were so tragically cut short in such a violent way.” She added: “We will continue to do all we can to break the cycle of abuse that victims find themselves in and bring perpetrators to justice.” The following section details cases of women that can be legally reported, gathered from court and inquest records spanning the last four years. Additional cases exist where court proceedings are ongoing, or where women’s deaths were primarily influenced by severe health conditions or mental illness. Sophie Evans, a mother of two, was described by her family as beautiful and amazing. Her family expressed their heartbreak over her death and stated she would be profoundly missed. Sophie, aged 30, was discovered deceased in a Carmarthenshire residence on 5 July 2024. Richard Jones, 50, has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted to manslaughter. A trial is scheduled for January 2025. Georgina Dowey, 46, died by strangulation in a Neath Port Talbot home. Matthew Pickering, her on-off boyfriend, received a life sentence for her murder, with a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years. During the trial, it was revealed that Ms Dowey’s body was found with a black bag covering her head and 32 distinct injuries. Her daughter, Chelsea, stated in a victim impact statement that Pickering had ended her mother’s life “in the most horrific and undignified way imaginable”. Judge Paul Thomas KC, during sentencing, remarked: “It must have been a terrifying way for her to die, and she would have suffered not just physically but psychologically.” Kelly Pitt was killed by her son, Lewis Bush, at her residence in Newport. The 44-year-old victim died following a “ferocious and sustained assault,” according to court proceedings. Bush has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the attack, with a minimum term of 16 years. Ms Pitt’s daughter, Jordan, described her mother as caring, loving, funny, and bubbly, characterizing her as a warm, welcoming woman who ensured everyone was well cared for. A post-mortem examination identified “severe blunt-force trauma to the head, neck and trunk.” Ms Pitt sustained internal bleeding and 41 rib fractures, and fragments of mirror glass and clumps of hair were discovered near her body. Buddug Jones was killed in her Anglesey home by Colin John Milburn, her partner of 32 years. Milburn has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 20 years. The 48-year-old mother suffered catastrophic head injuries from a brutal attack. The trial revealed that Milburn had developed a “fixation” that Ms Jones was seeing other men. Ms Jones’ sons, Martin, John, Daniel, and Adam, released a tribute describing her as “the best of the best.” They added: “She was such a special mam, naini, sister and friend with the kindest of hearts.” Lisa Fraser, 52, was discovered deceased at a residence in Pembroke Dock. The individual held on remand in prison, accused of her murder, was found in his cell on 27 May and passed away in hospital the following day. Consequently, the case cannot proceed to trial, and Judge Paul Thomas QC directed that his death be recorded on the case file. In a statement, Ms Fraser’s family conveyed that she was loved and cherished by all. They further stated: “[She] touched the hearts of everyone she had contact with. She will be missed by everyone.” The statement concluded: “Lisa, we hope you’re dancing in gold dust.” Mari O’Flynn, a