British Mother-of-Three Stabbed to Death in Spanish Home
A British mother-of-three has been brutally murdered at her family home in Spain, with her estranged husband now arrested after handing himself in to authorities. Victoria Hart, a 33-year-old hairdresser, was found stabbed to death yesterday in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande in Malaga.
Restraining Order Failed to Protect Victim
Shockingly, it has emerged that the suspect, Juan Antonio Rueda, had an active restraining order against him that prohibited him from approaching the home where Victoria lived with their three children. According to sources close to the family, Victoria had been trying to divorce Rueda because of his violent behaviour, and police had specifically banned him from the property.
The source revealed to the Daily Mail: 'He had been banned by the police but got into the house in some way. I think the children saw it. Victoria had been trying to divorce him because he had been hitting her.'
Children Witness Horrific Attack
The attack occurred around 11.40am local time, with Victoria's screams alerting neighbours who immediately called emergency services. Tragically, her three children are believed to have witnessed the horrific incident before raising the alarm by pressing a panic button installed in the house.
Local reports indicate that the eldest child, an 11-year-old boy, ran into the garden of their residential estate to seek help after the attack. The youngster also reportedly phoned his grandmother following the assault on his mother. The family's two other children are seven-year-old twin sisters.
Suspect's Disturbing Behaviour Before Attack
Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that Rueda was seen at a bakery near his father's chicken rotisserie business on the day of the killing. Concerned staff had asked him how he was feeling as he 'seemed serious', to which he replied: 'I'm so-so.' Just one hour later, Victoria would be attacked.
Neighbours told local media that the couple's relationship had been deteriorating prior to her death, with Victoria having been out with friends on Friday afternoon while Rueda sent repeated messages trying to locate her throughout the evening.
Community Mourning and Tributes
Alhaurin el Grande Town Council has announced a day of mourning tomorrow, with a minute's silence to be held at 5pm in Victoria's memory. The council stated: 'We express again the strongest repulsion and condemnation of this terrible act of violence, as well as solidarity and support to the victim's family and close people.'
Heartfelt tributes have flooded social media for Victoria, with friends describing her as a 'beautiful person, a great mother, a great friend'. One friend wrote: 'RIP Victoria Hart. This is devastating news. We need to stand up against domestic violence in this country and work against those who are protecting these animals.'
Victim Registered on Spanish Protection System
It has been revealed that Victoria was registered on VioGen, Spain's monitoring and safeguarding system for women who face gender or domestic violence. This adds to the tragedy that despite being on an official protection system and having a restraining order in place, she was still unable to escape the violence.
The Civil Guard in Malaga confirmed: 'The Civil Guard is investigating the death of a woman in Alhaurin el Grande. Her ex-partner has been arrested as the alleged killer.'
Family Background and Life in Spain
Victoria's mother, Susan Hart, ran an Estee Lauder concession in a department store, while her father, Sidney, died in 2019. The family had been living in Spain for many years, with neighbours suggesting they may have moved for a better life.
The source close to the family expressed concern about the children's welfare: 'I don't know who is going to look after the children, or if they will be in a fit state to do so. They were all very, very close.'
Spanish media reports indicate that Rueda was a former semi-professional footballer who previously played in Spain's Tercera Federación. He surrendered himself at a nearby prison, telling officers: 'Arrest me, I've done something very bad.'
