Ex-soldier ‘strangled wife to death then stabbed himself after fearing she would “go off” with someone else’
AN EX-SOLDIER allegedly strangled his wife to death and then stabbed himself after he feared she would “go off” with someone else.
Michael Davies, 57, has denied murdering his wife, Tracey Davies, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following her death last year.
On the morning of April 18, 2025, Davies allegedly strangled his wife at their home in Cefn Cribwr, Wales, before stabbing himself, a court heard.
Tracey, 48, was found dead in their bedroom when family members entered the property after concerns that she hadn’t contacted them for a while.
A post-mortem examination found she had died as a result of pressure to the neck.
Davies told police his wife had left bed that morning to make coffee but had instead used the bathroom and returned to the bedroom, where they cuddled.
The defendant told police the next thing he remembered was sitting on her chest and fastening his hands around her neck.
Today, a jury at Newport Crown Court were told that Davies had searched online “how to stop paranoid thoughts in a relationship” and “how to stop being jealous in a relationship” in the weeks prior to the incident.
Michael and Tracey Davies, met in 2020 and married in 2024, and both had children from previous relationships.
Davies was previously in the Army and had been working in the security industry in Abu Dhabi at the time.
But Davies had recently been sent home by his boss, the court heard.
Relatives had raised concerns about Davies’ wellbeing since his return home on April 11, 2025, believing he had lost weight and seemed reserved, said prosecutor Mark Cotter KC.
The court heard Davies told family and friends he had struggled with his mental health, particularly while being away in the Middle East, and was prescribed antidepressants and sleeping pills.
He confided in his sister he was afraid his wife might “go off with someone else” and worried he might “turn out like his father”, who was apparently sectioned when Davies was still a teenager.
Davies also allegedly made internet searches including “how to fight paranoia”, “understanding paranoia and extreme mistrust” and “overcoming jealousy in a relationship” in the weeks leading up to the incident.
Cotter said: “He said he wasn’t aggressive, or screaming, or shouting, he said she struggled, but told police ‘I just didn’t understand what was going on’.
“He described himself as panicking at seeing Tracey in the state that she was in.”
The jury was told Davies was found with “not immediately life-threatening” injuries.
He later told police he “wasn’t doing it to get back at her” and that he did not know why he had strangled her.
Cotter told the jury it was not in dispute that Davies had caused the death of his wife, but added: “However, he denies an intention to kill or to cause really serious bodily harm.
“The defendant, Davies, has already entered a guilty plea to manslaughter but that plea has not been accepted by the prosecution.”
The trial continues.
In a tribute Tracey’s family said: “In loving memory of Tracey, an extraordinary woman whose strength, love, and humour touched every life she encountered.
“She was a devoted mother, a cherished sister, a loyal friend, and a radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room.
“Her unwavering support, fierce spirit, and boundless compassion made her the heart of her family and a second mum to many.
“Whether through a perfectly timed joke, a warm cwtch, or simply being there, she gave so much of herself to others.
