[ad_1]
The Home Secretary ordered a review of the “gruesome case” of a woman who was murdered by her husband during the UK’s first lockdown.
Priti Patel “was not satisfied” with the Torfaen council’s decision not to conduct a domestic homicide review (HRD) on the circumstances surrounding Ruth Williams’ death, according to Safeguard Minister Victoria Atkins.
Anthony Williams, 70, strangled Anthony Williams, 70, at his home in Cwmbran, South Wales, on March 28 last year.
He was sentenced to five years in prison.
He was acquitted of murder, as he pleaded guilty to manslaughter for diminished responsibility.
Priti Patel ‘is not satisfied’ with the Torfaen council’s decision not to carry out an HRD. Stock Image
The trial judge said Williams’ mental state was “severely affected” by depression and anxiety and that there was no evidence of prior domestic violence.
Ms. Atkins said: “This was a dire case and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ruth Williams.
“Having personally reviewed this case, the Home Secretary is dissatisfied with the conclusions reached by the Torfaen County Municipal Council Public Service Board that there are no lessons to be learned from this tragic death.
“That is why he has written to the board ordering it to set up a domestic homicide review.”
Ms. Patel has used her powers under section 9 (3) of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act of 2004 to order the review.
A growing outcry has seen activists claim the sentence is too lenient, along with mounting pressure for a DHR.
Labor MP Harriet Harman told the Palestinian Authority news agency that she had written to Ms Patel asking for a review and that she is “glad she agreed.”
[ad_2]