RYAN TIMMS SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDERING WIFE IN HARTSHILL NEAR NUNEATON

A man from Hartshill, near Nuneaton, has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, following a detailed investigation that uncovered troubling inconsistencies in his account of her injuries. Ryan Timms, aged 44, was handed a minimum term of 19 years behind bars at Warwick Crown Court, where the court proceedings revealed the disturbing circumstances surrounding the case.

On July 31, 2023, emergency services responded to a distress call from ambulance crews who reported finding a woman in cardiac arrest. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, was reportedly attempting to take her own life when her husband, Ryan Timms, was present. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital shortly thereafter.

The investigation intensified when post-mortem examinations indicated that the cause of death was likely due to a neck hold, suggesting a violent altercation or assault. This evidence played a crucial role in the subsequent legal proceedings. Timms was charged with her murder after the forensic findings and a thorough review of the case.

Earlier this month, a jury at Warwick Crown Court found Timms guilty of the murder. During the sentencing hearing on Monday, the court emphasized the gravity of his actions and the impact on the victim’s family. The judge ordered that Timms serve a minimum of 19 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

Police and ambulance personnel who responded to the scene in July 2023 reported that Timms’s account of events contained significant discrepancies. Notably, he claimed to have carried his wife downstairs after discovering her in distress. However, officers observed that the staircase was steep, narrow, and cluttered with various items, making such an action highly improbable and raising suspicions about the true nature of her injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Collette O'Keefe commended the professionalism and diligence of the emergency responders, noting that their keen investigative instincts led to a deeper understanding of the case. She highlighted that the victim had endured years of domestic abuse in silence, concealing her suffering from family, friends, and colleagues. Ms. O'Keefe stated, “She had suffered in silence for many years. She kept the domestic abuse hidden from family, friends, and work colleagues. It was evident that she had wanted to leave.”

The police force’s official website now provides resources and guidance for individuals experiencing domestic abuse or violence, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support in such situations.