FIRST PICTURE OF 'TOXIC' LISA ELLWOOD WHO CLAIMED TO BE 'BATTERED WIFE' BUT WAS ABUSING THEN MURDERED HUSBAND
2026-04-19 13:48: Lisa Ellwood was found guilty of murdering her husband, Ryan Ellwood, at their home on Greenwood Court on 29 August 2023.She was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court and must serve a minimum of 16 years before being eligible for parole.
The court heard that Ellwood had spent her birthday evening drinking cocktails before returning home, where an argument erupted between the couple.
During the dispute, she reportedly restrained her husband against kitchen cabinets before retrieving a knife and stabbing him in the chest.
The single stab wound proved fatal, as the blade caused severe internal injuries, including damage to his lung and aorta.
Emergency responders attended the scene but were unable to save him.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ellwood made a remark suggesting her husband was too unwell to defend himself at the time, raising concerns about his vulnerability during the incident.
Ellwood later told the court she could not recall the events, with psychiatric assessments indicating her memory loss may have been linked to heavy alcohol consumption.
Evidence showed she had been drinking excessively in the lead-up to the incident.
The court also heard details of a troubled relationship, with indications of past violent incidents between the couple.
In her defence, Ellwood’s legal team highlighted her difficult personal history, including mental health conditions such as complex post-traumatic stress disorder and a personality disorder, along with experiences of abuse during her childhood.
An expert suggested the incident might not have occurred if alcohol had not been involved.
Despite these mitigating factors, the judge ruled that the gravity of the crime required a life sentence.
In a victim impact statement, Ryan Ellwood’s family spoke of the deep and lasting pain caused by his death.
His sister described the aftermath as a “living nightmare,” adding that the loss has had a profound effect on the entire family, including his children.
Judge Guy Kearl stated that the fatal act represented a severe and disproportionate escalation of a domestic dispute, with irreversible consequences.
The case underscores the serious risks associated with alcohol-related violence in domestic settings and highlights the strict legal consequences for offences involving deadly weapons.
--------------------------- 2025-08-20 11:18: Police have issued the first image of Lisa Ellwood following her conviction for the murder of her husband, Ryan, at their Wakefield home.
The 40-year-old woman attacked Ryan after celebrating her birthday on August 29 last year.
A bartender reported that she had been served six strong drinks, including vodka, gin, Bacardi, and tequila, while socializing at The Blind Pig.
During a lengthy two-year trial at Leeds Crown Court, evidence emerged that two taxi drivers transported passengers from their bases—one a man to Greenwood Court, the other a woman near a pizza restaurant on Doncaster Road.
CCTV footage captured Ellwood at the scene; just nine minutes later, emergency services were called to their home in Greenwood Court.
Ryan had been stabbed with a knife that punctured his rib, lung, and aorta.
This incident was not isolated, as friends of Ryan described how he had become a shadow of himself as their marriage progressed.
In closing arguments, Crown Prosecutor Craig Hassall KC told the jury that witnesses remembered Ryan as a gentle and kind individual who would help others—yet he grew more withdrawn over time.
Meanwhile, Ellwood attempted to depict herself as a victim of spousal abuse, claiming to medical professionals that she had been assaulted—despite witnesses recalling her engaging in public attacks against her husband, including a fight with pub staff after Ryan took a selfie with colleagues.
Hassall explained that although the prosecution didn't initially focus heavily on her previous violent episodes, these facts are significant given her claims of being battered.
He pointed out that her statements about lacking self-awareness and being under Ryan’s control necessitate a comprehensive view of her actions.
Jury deliberations began shortly after 10:30am on Tuesday, concluding with their verdicts issued shortly after 4pm.
Leeds Judge Guy Kearl KC announced that Ellwood’s sentencing would occur on Wednesday afternoon.
