A 'possessive' husband has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years after being found guilty of murdering his wife a week after she broke up with him. Russell Marsh, 29, was put behind bars after he savagely assaulted Jade Ward, 27, disfiguring her face with a knife before choking her to death.
Marsh had been told to leave the family home in Shotton, North Wales, after Ms Ward told him that she no longer wanted him in her life. However, he returned to the house uninvited in the early hours of August 26 last year, as their four sons slept and viciously attacked her in a side bedroom.
Marsh drove the children to his parents’ home near Chester before later handing himself in to police. He initially claimed the death was accidental, after he said Ms Ward asked asked him to choke her during sex.
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However, he later told the jury she had mutilated herself and then taunted him. Marsh had admitted manslaughter but last week jurors at Mold Crown Crown rejected his version of events and found him guilty of murder.
Sentencing him at Mold Crown Court to life imprisonment, Judge Rhys Rowlands told Marsh: “Consumed by self-pity and jealousy you subjected Jade to a prolonged and cruel attack to punish her because she had the audacity, in your eyes, to end your controlling and unequal relationship.
“It is quite clear that Jade found living with you very difficult, arising out of your possessive behaviour. You were not prepared to accept the end of the marriage. You felt sorry for yourself and resentful to her.”
Following today’s sentencing, Jade’s family paid tribute to her with the following statement: “Jade was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone. Jade was the sunshine in our lives, she was the glue that held us all together.
"She was also a devoted mum who would do anything for her children, a much-loved friend, daughter, sister, aunty, niece and granddaughter. Jade’s whole life was ahead of her and her death has left a void in all our lives.
“The family are very thankful to all of Jade’s friends and colleagues for their support, and to North Wales Police for the investigation that has led to today’s conviction. We ask that our privacy is respected and that as a family we can quietly grieve and continue to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss."
Detective Inspector Myfanwy Kirkwood, the deputy Senior Investigating Officer, said: “For Jade’s young life to be cut so cruelly short in such tragic circumstances is beyond comprehension. Jade was much loved by her family and friends and I recognise that no words or verdict will ever bring back this young woman, but I hope today's outcome will bring a small sense of peace to Jade’s family.
"They have shown immense strength and courage throughout and I thank them for the way in which they have found the strength to assist my investigation team. On Wednesday, 25th August 2021, Jade had spent time with her four children, friends and family and had enjoyed the afternoon and evening.
"She was described as being happy and looking forward to her future. Russell Marsh took her future away by killing her and only he truly knows the reasons for his dreadful actions, leaving their four children without a mother."
