Kieron Goodwin was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Olivia Wood, 29, on the day she wanted to end the abusive relationship – he was also convicted of offences against three other women
A sickening man has been convicted after he strangled his girlfriend to death on the night she planned to end their abusive relationship.
Kieron Goodwin, 33, ended his campaign of psychological and physical abuse towards his partner Olivia Wood, 29, by brutally killing her. Goodwin, from Frome, Somerset, had subjected Olivia to horrible abuse during their less than three month long relationship – including trying to pressure her into having sex with another man, despite her refusals. On the tragic night, the boyfriend called 999 to report Olivia was not breathing and she was rushed to a hospital, where she later died surrounded by her family.
Police raised concerns about Olivia’s injuries after they visited the scene on July 30, 2024, and initially arrested the Goodwin on suspicion of intentional strangulation later that day. Goodwin was convicted of murdering his girlfriend at Bristol Crown Court on April 25 – as well as 15 other offences against her and three other women.
During their investigation, police discovered a packed suitcase and bags filled with Olivia’s clothes and toiletries, with the court told this suggested she was planning to leave. Goodwin was charged with her murder and controlling and coercive behaviour two days after his arrest. He admitted controlling and coercive behaviour but denied murder.
Investigators also discovered Goodwin had threatened to harm himself, forcing Olivia to take time off work to be with him. She also transferred him more than £6,000 to help him pay his bills, which he ultimately spent on cocaine.
Olivia’s heartbroken family paid a touching tribute to their girl, saying: “The pain our family is feeling is indescribable. Olivia was the glue that held us together, a loyal friend, a devoted sister, a cherished daughter.
“She was a rarity; profoundly selfless, disarmingly witty, a timeless beauty. Always there to make a cup of tea when someone looked in need, to listen, to help. Now she has been taken from us and we are left with a chasm in our lives, a love that can never be replaced.”
Goodwin was also convicted on four counts of rape, five counts of causing person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of sexual assault by penetration against the three other victims. He was also convicted on one count of intentional strangulation and three counts of controlling and coercive behaviour.
The court heard shocking details about Goodwin’s crimes like how he would ply the victims with drugs and threaten to send compromising photos to friends, family or work colleagues or report them to the police. He also made these people send over money which totalled to over tens of thousands of pounds.
Goodwin admitted controlling and coercive behaviour against each of the victims, but denied the other offences, claiming they had consented to the sexual activity. However, he was found guilty by the jury of all the offences against all four victims and will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court in due course.
Det Supt Lorett Spierenburg, the senior investigating officer, said: “Kieron Goodwin is an incredibly dangerous and manipulative man who will now face justice for the horrendous crimes he subjected these women to. His offending has had a significant impact on each of them and ultimately – and tragically – had fatal consequences for Olivia.
“Each of those women who have spoken so bravely about what they suffered at his hands deserves enormous praise. Not only has it meant he will now be accountable for his crimes, but it will also ensure no other woman will suffer at his hands.”
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit** www.aafda.org.uk**.
