A 57-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his wife at their home in Bridgend.
Michael Davies was convicted of the murder of Tracey Davies, who was unlawfully killed on April 18, 2025.
Shortly before 9.20pm that evening, South Wales Police received an emergency call from a family member who had gone to check on the couple after not hearing from them for 24 hours.
After entering their home on Bryn Terrace in Cefn Cribwr, the family member discovered Tracey Davies dead in the bedroom and Michael Davies unconscious with stab wounds.
Emergency services attended and confirmed that Mrs Davies had died. Michael Davies was taken to hospital and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
A postmortem examination concluded that Mrs Davies had died as a result of strangulation.
Davies was released from hospital a week later. During a police interview, he admitted strangling his wife but did not provide an explanation as to why. He stated that he then took an overdose before stabbing himself.
The investigation found that Davies, who worked away in Abu Dhabi, had returned to Cefn Cribwr because of his poor mental health. He reported feeling insecure, jealous and paranoid that his wife might leave him.
Davies 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.
The jury heard evidence from three forensic psychiatrists who had assessed him. After considering the evidence, jurors determined that Davies did not have the defence of diminished responsibility and found him guilty of murder.
He will be sentenced later in the year.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton, of South Wales Police, stated: “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.
“The events of 18th April and the Murder of Tracey Davies’ were not foreseen. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about mental health and domestic violence, ensuring that individuals have access to the support they need.”
“If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to local services or helplines for assistance.”
Tracey’s family paid the following tribute: “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.
“No length of sentence given to Michael following today’s verdict will ever bring back Tracey.
“Whatever sentence he receives will never reflect the sentence that we as a family are serving having to live our lives without Tracey.
“Tracey had a passion for life and her family, she had made so many plans for her future and her life. A life which was so cruelly and brutally ended by the man she loved.
“Tracey did nothing but love and care for Michael Davies, even in her final days she displayed this love and care. This only further sums her up as the caring and thoughtful person that she was and this is how she will be remembered.
“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.”
