An ex-soldier who strangled his wife to death after expressing fear that she might leave him has denied murder, a court has heard. Michael Davies, 57, killed Tracy Davies, 48, at their home in Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend, Wales, before stabbing himself on the morning of April 18 last year.
Background of the Relationship
The couple met in 2020 and had been married for only about a year when Tracy was found dead. In the weeks before the killing, Davies made internet searches including 'how to stop paranoid thoughts in a relationship' and 'how to stop being jealous in a relationship'.
Plea and Legal Proceedings
Davies has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder. The trial is ongoing at Newport Crown Court.
Details from Court
The court heard that Davies, an army veteran, had been working in the security industry in Abu Dhabi but was sent back to the UK by his boss shortly before the incident. Relatives raised concerns about his wellbeing after his return on April 11, 2025, noting he had lost weight and seemed reserved.
Davies told family and friends he had struggled with mental health, particularly during his time in the Middle East, and was prescribed antidepressants and sleeping pills. He told his sister he feared his wife might 'go off with someone else' and worried he might 'turn out like his father', who was sectioned when Davies was a teenager.
Internet Searches
In the weeks leading up to the killing, Davies also searched online for 'how to fight paranoia', 'understanding paranoia and extreme mistrust', and 'overcoming jealousy in a relationship'.
Discovery of the Body
Tracy was found dead in the bedroom of their home in Bridgend on April 18, 2025, after family members grew concerned by a lack of contact. A post-mortem examination determined she died from pressure to the neck.
Davies' Account
Davies later told police that his wife had left bed that morning to make coffee but instead used the bathroom and returned to bed, where they cuddled. He said the next thing he remembered was sitting on her chest with his hands around her neck. He described himself as panicking upon seeing Tracy's condition.
Prosecutor Mark Cotter KC said Davies told police he was not aggressive or shouting, and that he did not understand what was happening. Davies claimed he 'wasn't doing it to get back at her' and did not know why he strangled her.
Prosecution's Stance
Mr Cotter told the jury that the couple had not had a dispute before the killing. He added that Davies denies an intention to kill or cause serious harm, but the prosecution has not accepted his guilty plea to manslaughter.
The trial continues.
