HAMPSHIRE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO STRANGLING AND KILLING WIFE IN VIOLENT ATTACK

A man accused of killing his estranged wife has pleaded guilty to murder part-way through his trial. Shaun Dyson, 28, was responsible for the death of Lucy-Anne Rushton by repeatedly stamping or jumping on her at her residence in Andover, Hampshire. Ms Rushton, aged 30, died in the early hours of June 23 while children were present at the home. Dyson initially confessed to manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court but later admitted murder on Wednesday. Jurors heard that Dyson ordered Ms Rushton to swallow her wedding ring after she was contacted by a former partner. A post-mortem examination revealed she had sustained 37 rib fractures, a broken breastbone, and collapsed lungs. Sharon Douglass from the Crown Prosecution Service described the attack as "brutal and extremely violent," sparked by Dyson's jealousy. She pointed out the evidence demonstrating Dyson's history of assaulting Ms Rushton and stated, "The pattern, number and level of injuries show that Dyson intended to kill Lucy, or at the very least, cause her really serious harm." Further details indicated a "toxic" and "volatile" relationship, with witnesses including Ms Rushton's mother, who saw her being beaten via FaceTime, and a friend who saw Dyson strangling her unconscious. CCTV footage showed Dyson kicking, punching, and spitting on her in a September 2018 incident. Dyson, of Anna Valley, Hampshire, is scheduled for sentencing. The case highlights a pattern of violent behavior culminating in her death.