An ex-soldier who strangled his wife to death after expressing fear that she might 'go off with someone else' has denied murdering her. Michael Davies, 57, killed Tracy Davies, 48, at their home in Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend, before stabbing himself on the morning of April 18 last year.
The couple met in 2020 and had been married for only about a year when Tracy was found dead. However, jurors heard that in the weeks before the incident, Davies had made web searches including 'how to stop paranoid thoughts in a relationship' and 'how to stop being jealous in a relationship'.
Davies has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder. Newport Crown Court heard that Davies, who previously served in the Army but was working in the security industry in Abu Dhabi at the time, had recently been sent home by his boss.
Mark Cotter KC, prosecuting, said relatives had raised concerns about Davies' wellbeing since his return home on April 11, 2025, believing he had lost weight and seemed reserved. The court heard he told family and friends he had struggled with his mental health, particularly while abroad in the Middle East, and was prescribed antidepressants and sleeping pills.
He told his sister he was afraid his wife might 'go off with someone else' and worried he might 'turn out like his father', who was apparently sectioned when Davies was a teenager. The jury heard Davies also made internet searches including 'how to fight paranoia', 'understanding paranoia and extreme mistrust' and 'overcoming jealousy in a relationship' in the weeks leading up to the incident.
Tracy was found dead in the bedroom at their home in Bridgend on April 18, 2025, when family members entered the property after growing concerned by a lack of contact. A post-mortem examination found she had died as a result of pressure to the neck.
Davies later told police his wife had left bed that morning to make coffee but had instead used the bathroom and returned to the bedroom, where they cuddled. He told police the next thing he remembered was sitting on her chest and fastening his hands around her neck.
Mr Cotter said: 'He said he wasn't aggressive, or screaming, or shouting, he said she struggled, but told police “I just didn't understand what was going on”. He described himself as panicking at seeing Tracy in the state that she was in.'
The jury was told Davies was found with 'not immediately life-threatening' injuries. He later told police he 'wasn't doing it to get back at her' and that he did not know why he had strangled her.
Mr Cotter told the jury it was not in dispute that Davies had caused the death of his wife. He added: 'However, he denies an intention to kill or to cause really serious bodily harm. The defendant, Mr Davies, has already entered a guilty plea to manslaughter but that plea has not been accepted by the prosecution.'
The trial continues.
