The family of 48-year-old Tracey Davies say they will “never come to terms” with losing a woman whose laughter could light up a room after her husband was found guilty of her murder.
Michael Davies, 57, was convicted of murdering his wife Tracey at their home in Cefn Cribwr after a jury rejected his defence of diminished responsibility.
The verdict follows a case which began on April 18 last year, when police were called to a house on Bryn Terrace after a family member went to check on the couple when they had not been heard from for 24 hours.
Tracey was found dead in a bedroom while Davies was discovered unconscious with stab wounds. A post-mortem examination later concluded that she had been strangled.
Davies was taken to hospital before being arrested. He was subsequently charged with Tracey’s murder after being released from hospital.
South Wales Police said Davies, who worked away in Abu Dhabi, had returned home to Cefn Cribwr because of his poor mental health.
The force said he had reported feeling insecure, jealous and paranoid that his wife might leave him.
Davies admitted strangling Tracey during a police interview but, according to the force, gave no explanation for why he had done it. He said he had then taken an overdose before stabbing himself.
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 Tracey’s death.
But the jury, which heard evidence from three forensic psychiatrists who had assessed Davies, rejected that defence and found him guilty of murder.
Family: “Complete torment”
Tracey’s devastated family said: “As a family we have not and will never come to terms with losing Tracey.
“To lose her in such a horrendous and violent way only worsens the pain that we feel.
“To hear the graphic details of how she was killed by the person she loved has been complete torment to us.”
They said no sentence handed to Davies could bring Tracey back or reflect the loss they now have to live with.
Her family said Tracey had a passion for life and for her family, and had made many plans for her future before her life was “cruelly and brutally ended by the man she loved”.
They added: “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.”
Police pay tribute to Tracey
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton, of South Wales Police, said the case had deeply affected both Tracey’s immediate family and the wider community.
She said: “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.”
DCI Lamerton said the force extended its condolences to Tracey’s family and hoped the verdict would allow them time to properly grieve.
Davies will be sentenced later this year.
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