The sister of a man who killed his own wife has told his murder trial that the couple 'absolutely adored each other'. Julie Davies gave evidence at Newport Crown Court, where her brother Michael Davies, 57, is standing trial accused of murdering Tracey Davies, 48. Michael has admitted killing Tracey by strangulation but denies murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Court hears of loving relationship
Julie Davies described the relationship between her brother and Tracey as 'very loving' and said she felt they had both found the right people in life. The couple had been together for around four years after meeting through a walking club that Tracey ran in Porthcawl. Tracey would visit Michael in Abu Dhabi, where he was working at the time, and even lived there for a while. 'They were going to stay there, I think she would have liked to have stayed,' Julie said, but added that there was no work for Tracey there so they returned.
Discovery of the body
The court has previously heard how relatives became concerned for Tracey's welfare after she failed to attend her daughter's concert. They let themselves into the property on Bryn Terrace, Cefn Cribwr, near Bridgend, on April 18 last year, where they found Tracey dead on a bed. Michael was found slumped behind the bedroom door with cuts to his throat and leg. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and later admitted strangling Tracey between 7.30am and 8am that day.
Defendant's account
Michael told officers that after Tracey came into the bedroom, he put his hands on her neck and started squeezing. He said he kept the pressure on her neck but didn't understand what was going on, and he kept trying to squeeze her neck, wanting to keep strangling her. He then had an 'overwhelming feeling' to get a knife from the kitchen and felt a urge to put the knife into himself. He said he couldn't remember anything else until he woke up in the University Hospital of Wales. Davies said he wasn't trying to get revenge and his rationale wasn't there.
Mental health concerns
The court heard that a week before Tracey's death, Michael had returned from Abu Dhabi, where he worked for a private security company, after concerns were raised about his mental health. His internet search history at the time included references to paranoia, such as 'how to fight paranoia', 'paranoia self care', 'types of mental health problems', 'how to stop paranoia thoughts', and 'how to stop being jealous in a relationship'. Tracey told family that her husband had suffered 'some sort of mental breakdown' and that he was having irrational thoughts.
Tributes to Tracey
Tributes were paid to Tracey, described as a 'devoted mother'. Her family said she was 'an extraordinary woman' with a 'fierce spirit' and 'boundless compassion'. The trial continues.
