A man who strangled his son's girlfriend before buying a custard slice has been jailed for life. Richard Jones, 50, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to a minimum of 20 years for the murder of 30-year-old Sophie Evans.
The court heard that Jones believed his son and Ms Evans were trying to scam him. On July 5, 2024, he went to her home in Llanelli, where she lived with his son Jamie Davies. Ms Evans had just taken her two children to school and was wearing only a bath towel when Jones attacked her.
Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said Jones repeatedly beat Ms Evans before strangling her to death. A note found in Jones's vehicle read: 'I got scammed and rinsed by my own son so I dealt with it myself. Had no other choice.' After the murder, CCTV showed Jones buying a tuna roll and custard slice from a bakery.
In a victim impact statement, Jamie Davies said: 'Since the moment Sophie was taken away from me my life has never been the same. She was the most beautiful, loving and caring person I could ever ask for. What Richard has done is truly unforgivable.' Davies added that they were planning to marry and have children.
Judge Geraint Walters said Jones had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, but the jury rejected this. The judge noted Jones had been suffering from paranoia and using drugs. Jones must serve a minimum of 20 years before parole.
