A man who strangled his wife to death after thinking she might leave him has been jailed. Michael Davies, 58, of Cefn Road, Bridgend, killed his wife Tracey Davies on April 18, 2025.
Emergency services were called by a member of the family who had gone to check on the couple after not hearing from them for 25 hours. Upon entering their home on Bryn Terrace, Cefn Cribwr, the relative found Tracey dead in the bedroom and Davies unconscious with stab injuries.
Paramedics rushed to the scene but Tracey was pronounced dead, while her husband was taken to hospital for treatment. He was later arrested on suspicion of murder. Former soldier Davies was today jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years.
Postmortem and admission
A postmortem found Tracey had died as a result of strangulation. The defendant was released from hospital a week later and admitted to police in an interview that he strangled his wife, but did not give any explanation why. After killing her, he took an overdose before stabbing himself.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Davies, who worked away in Abu Dhabi, had returned home to Cefn Cribwr due to his poor mental health. He reported feeling insecure, jealous, and paranoid that his wife may leave him.
Trial and verdict
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, having been assessed as suffering from depressive disorder and anxiety at the time of the offence. But after hearing evidence from three forensic psychiatrists, the jury determined that he did not have the defence of diminished responsibility. After deliberating all the evidence, they returned a guilty verdict for the charge of murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton of South Wales Police said: “This is an awful case that has deeply affected not only the immediate family but also the wider community who knew Tracey Davies. During the trial it was highlighted that Tracey Davies was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, and step-grandmother, and she would do anything for anyone and was nothing but a supportive and loving wife to Mr Davies. We extend our sincere condolences to Tracey’s family and all those who have been affected and hope that this verdict will allow the family time to properly grieve the loss of Tracey.”
Family tribute
Tracey’s family paid the following tribute: “Tracey really was a truly extraordinary woman, she had a fierce spirit and boundless compassion. She was a devoted mother, a cherished sister, a loyal friend, a loving cousin and aunty and a truly radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room. Her children were her greatest pride, and she fought for them with unmatched devotion. Tracey is so loved and missed. We will always remember her.”
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk.
