Olivia Wood had packed a suitcase and was ready to leave her boyfriend of just three months Kieron Goodwin – he strangled her before calling 999 and saying she wasn’t breathing
A man who murdered his girlfriend by strangling her to death on the night she tried to leave him has been jailed for life. Kieron Goodwin killed 29-year-old Olivia Wood, who he had been in a relationship for less than three months, following a campaign of physical and psychological abuse.
Goodwin, 33, threatened self-harm causing Olivia to take time off work, and WhatsApp messages revealed he also tried to coerce her into having sex with another man, despite her repeated refusals. He was found guilty of murder after a five-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, and today he was sentenced to life behind bars. He must service a minimum of 33 years.
Goodwin was also convicted of 15 other offences against Ms Wood and three other women. These included rape, assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and intentional strangulation.
The court heard that Goodwin, from Frome in Somerset, had been in a relationship with Ms Wood for less than three months when he strangled her in July last year. She had packed her bags and was ready to leave when he attacked her.
In the early hours of July 30, Goodwin made a 999 call to the ambulance service reporting that Ms Wood was not breathing, and she was taken to hospital. Police were called 10 minutes after paramedics arrived at his flat, as concerns were raised about her injuries.
During the police investigation, a packed suitcase and bags filled with Ms Wood’s clothes and toiletries was found. The trial was told this suggested she was planning to leave.
The jury heard Goodwin used to ply women with drugs, threaten to send compromising photos to friends, family or work colleagues and report them to the police. He made them hand over tens of thousands of pounds which he used to fund his cocaine habit and lifestyle while also threatening to harm himself if anyone rejected him in any way.
Goodwin admitted controlling and coercive behaviour against each of the victims, but denied the other offences, claiming the women had consented to the sexual activity.
In a statement released after the guilty verdicts, Ms Wood’s family said: “The pain our family is feeling is indescribable. Olivia was the glue that held us together, a loyal friend, a devoted sister, a cherished daughter.
“She was a rarity; profoundly selfless, disarmingly witty, a timeless beauty. Always there to make a cup of tea when someone looked in need, to listen, to help.
“Now she has been taken from us and we are left with a chasm in our lives, a love that can never be replaced.”
Detective Superintendent Lorett Spierenburg said: “Kieron Goodwin is an incredibly dangerous and manipulative man who will now face justice for the horrendous crimes he subjected these women to. His offending has had a significant impact on each of them and ultimately – and tragically – had fatal consequences for Olivia.
“Each of those women who have spoken so bravely about what they suffered at his hands deserves enormous praise. Not only has it meant he will now be accountable for his crimes, but it will also ensure no other woman will suffer at his hands.”
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