MICHAEL MCDaid SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL EASTWOOD MURDER OF RACHEL MCDaid
| Red Rose Database
Eastwood Domestic Homicide
Michael McDaid, a 60-year-old man from Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, has been handed a life sentence in prison following his conviction for the savage murder of his estranged wife, Rachel McDaid, aged 53. The tragic incident unfolded at her residence in Eastwood, where McDaid carried out a cold-blooded attack that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation.
According to court proceedings, McDaid used a homemade garrotte fashioned from a bootlace to strangle Rachel, demonstrating a disturbing level of premeditation and brutality. The court heard that the murder took place on 19 April, after McDaid arrived at her home knowing she would be alone. He then proceeded to attack her with the improvised weapon, inflicting injuries to her neck, forehead, chin, jaw, and wrist. The severity of her injuries underscored the violent nature of the assault.
During the sentencing hearing, McDaid admitted to the killing and had previously pleaded guilty to her murder on 5 July. In a heartfelt letter read to the court, he expressed remorse, stating, "I spent 25 years with my wife who I have always loved with all my heart. I have committed the most awful crime possible. I could not escape my mental health. I know that I did not make the right choice. I pray to God for forgiveness." His words reflected a complex mix of remorse and acknowledgment of his mental health struggles, which he claimed contributed to his actions.
The court also revealed that McDaid had warned their son, Owen, during the incident, telling him, "You can’t go in because I’ve killed her," before leaving the scene and locking all the doors behind him. Owen, deeply affected by the tragedy, delivered a victim impact statement in which he called his father a “coward” and “a monster,” expressing shame for ever calling him his dad. The court heard that Rachel had sustained injuries to her neck, forehead, chin, jaw, and wrist, indicating a violent and sustained attack.
Rachel’s youngest son, Isaac, was tearful as he described her death as brutal and expressed his devastation at losing his mother. It was also revealed that McDaid had continued to visit the property even after their separation four years earlier, living on a narrowboat nearby and allegedly devising plans to harm her. His arrest followed his confession to the murder and his return to the scene of the crime.
In sentencing, the judge imposed a minimum term of 23 years and four months before McDaid could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized that the attack was unprovoked and unjustified, condemning McDaid’s mistaken belief that Rachel had made his life miserable as a dangerous misconception that led to a tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
According to court proceedings, McDaid used a homemade garrotte fashioned from a bootlace to strangle Rachel, demonstrating a disturbing level of premeditation and brutality. The court heard that the murder took place on 19 April, after McDaid arrived at her home knowing she would be alone. He then proceeded to attack her with the improvised weapon, inflicting injuries to her neck, forehead, chin, jaw, and wrist. The severity of her injuries underscored the violent nature of the assault.
During the sentencing hearing, McDaid admitted to the killing and had previously pleaded guilty to her murder on 5 July. In a heartfelt letter read to the court, he expressed remorse, stating, "I spent 25 years with my wife who I have always loved with all my heart. I have committed the most awful crime possible. I could not escape my mental health. I know that I did not make the right choice. I pray to God for forgiveness." His words reflected a complex mix of remorse and acknowledgment of his mental health struggles, which he claimed contributed to his actions.
The court also revealed that McDaid had warned their son, Owen, during the incident, telling him, "You can’t go in because I’ve killed her," before leaving the scene and locking all the doors behind him. Owen, deeply affected by the tragedy, delivered a victim impact statement in which he called his father a “coward” and “a monster,” expressing shame for ever calling him his dad. The court heard that Rachel had sustained injuries to her neck, forehead, chin, jaw, and wrist, indicating a violent and sustained attack.
Rachel’s youngest son, Isaac, was tearful as he described her death as brutal and expressed his devastation at losing his mother. It was also revealed that McDaid had continued to visit the property even after their separation four years earlier, living on a narrowboat nearby and allegedly devising plans to harm her. His arrest followed his confession to the murder and his return to the scene of the crime.
In sentencing, the judge imposed a minimum term of 23 years and four months before McDaid could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized that the attack was unprovoked and unjustified, condemning McDaid’s mistaken belief that Rachel had made his life miserable as a dangerous misconception that led to a tragic and unnecessary loss of life.