CRADLEY HEATH MAN GETS LIFE FOR PARTNER'S MURDER

Ronald Cooke, a 55-year-old man from Granville Road, Cradley Heath, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murdering his partner, Tina Billingham. The incident occurred on February 6, when Cooke attacked Ms Billingham at their home. Neighbours reported witnessing Cooke shouting at her before forcing her into his van, where he stabbed her twice, piercing her heart. Cooke then drove her to a medical centre, claiming she had "stabbed herself" with an ornamental sword stick following an argument. Despite attempts by medical staff, Ms Billingham, a mother of two, succumbed to her injuries later that day in hospital. The court heard that Cooke had a history of abusive and controlling behavior in their 20-year relationship and had prior convictions for assault and bodily harm against former partners. During the trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, evidence was presented that neighbors saw Cooke shouting and demanding her into his van, leading to the stabbing. Cooke showed no remorse publicly, and police described him as a "bully" who was the main source of misery in Tina's life. Det Insp Harry Harrison stated, "Cooke was clearly a bully and was the root cause of an awful lot of misery in Tina's life. Arrogant to the end, he has shown no remorse. Men with his character traits have no place in a civilised society. He has now rightly been brought to justice." Cooke has been ordered to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison, and this case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and controlling behavior within relationships.