Ground Worker Sentenced to 18 Years for Manslaughter and Concealing Body
Mohammed Durnion, a 42-year-old ground worker from Coventry, has been jailed for 18 years after being convicted of manslaughter for the death of Reanne Coulson, a 33-year-old mother-of-two. The sentencing took place at Warwick Crown Court, where Durnion was found guilty by an 11-1 majority verdict on Tuesday, March 26, 2026.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The incident occurred on May 21 last year when Ms. Coulson died inside Durnion's flat in Coventry. Neighbors alerted the police after hearing a woman 'screaming in fear' from the apartment. However, officers who responded failed to locate Ms. Coulson's body, which was concealed under a mattress during their initial investigation.
Prosecutors revealed that Durnion had attacked and strangled Ms. Coulson, leading to her death. In a desperate attempt to cover up the crime, he used petrol to set part of her body on fire and later transported her remains in a suitcase. Durnion drove around to scout locations before ultimately burying her in a shallow grave in Binley Woods.
Accomplice Sentenced for Assisting Offender
Adam Moore, 39, a fellow ground worker and friend of Durnion, was also sentenced at the same court. He received six years in prison for assisting an offender by helping to hide the body on May 22. Moore, of Marlcroft, Willenhall, Coventry, had denied the charge, claiming he went to the woods merely to search for Durnion.
Judge's Remarks and Family Impact
During sentencing, Judge Kristina Montgomery KC emphasized the profound loss suffered by Ms. Coulson's family, describing her as someone 'deeply loved' and always willing to help others. The judge condemned Durnion's actions, stating he had 'showed total contempt for her in life and in death.' She noted that while the exact cause of death could not be definitively established, evidence strongly indicated strangulation.
This case highlights the tragic consequences of violence and the efforts to evade justice, resulting in significant prison terms for both individuals involved.
