Man jailed for wife's murder after 'lengthy abuse'

A man has been jailed for murdering his wife after police found "inconsistencies" in his story about how she was injured.

Ryan Timms, 44, of Hartshill, near Nuneaton, was sentenced to life in prison and told he would serve a minimum of 19 years in jail at Warwick Crown Court.

Officers received a call from ambulance crews about a woman in cardiac arrest after she was reportedly found making a suicide attempt by her husband, Timms, on 31 July, 2023. The woman, who police did not name, later died in hospital, police said.

He was charged after post-mortem examinations found a neck hold was the likely cause of death.

Timms was found guilty by a jury at the same court earlier this month and sentenced on Monday.

Officers said police and ambulance workers talking to him at the scene in July 2023 found "inconsistencies in the story he was providing".

In particular, Timms said he had taken his wife downstairs after finding her but officers noticed the staircase was steep, narrow and cluttered with items and this would have been difficult to do.

Det Ch Insp Collette O'Keefe praised the "professional curiosity" of police and ambulance workers.

It led to an intricate review of the couple's life and uncovered domestic abuse.

"She had suffered in silence for many years," said Ms O'Keefe.

"She kept the domestic abuse hidden from family, friends, and work colleagues. It was evident that she had wanted to leave."

The police force added its website has details of how people experiencing domestic abuse or violence can find help.

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