KIERON GOODWIN FROM SOMERSET CONVICTED OF MURDERING OLIVIA WOOD IN LIVERPOOL AND PORTWAY

In a tragic case that has shocked the local communities of Somerset and Liverpool, Kieron Goodwin, aged 33 and originally from Frome, Somerset, has been found guilty of the brutal murder of Olivia Wood, a 29-year-old ecologist. The incident occurred in July 2024, and the subsequent legal proceedings culminated in a conviction on Thursday, 24 April 2025, after a five-week trial that revealed disturbing details about the abuse Olivia endured during their brief relationship.

Olivia Wood, who resided in Liverpool, had been in a relationship with Goodwin for less than three months. During this short period, she was subjected to a relentless campaign of both physical violence and psychological manipulation. Evidence presented in court painted a harrowing picture of coercive control, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation inflicted upon her by Goodwin. It was revealed that he pressured Olivia into unwanted sexual encounters, repeatedly threatened to harm himself as a means of manipulation, and forced her to take time off work, severely impacting her life and well-being.

Further disturbing evidence showed that Goodwin took advantage of Olivia’s trust by stealing over £6,000 from her under false pretenses. Court documents indicated that he spent this money on cocaine, highlighting a pattern of reckless and destructive behavior. The court also uncovered that Olivia had planned to leave the relationship, as evidenced by a packed suitcase and bags of her belongings found at Goodwin’s flat in Portway, Somerset. This strongly suggested her intention to escape the abusive situation on the night she was murdered.

The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, 30 July 2024. At approximately 2:50 am, Goodwin contacted emergency services, claiming that Olivia was not breathing. Paramedics responded promptly and examined her injuries, which raised serious concerns about the nature of her condition. Police were dispatched to the scene within minutes. Goodwin was initially detained on suspicion of intentional strangulation, and Olivia was rushed to hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries with her family present.

Following her death, detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team arrested Goodwin on suspicion of murder. He was formally charged with both Olivia’s murder and controlling and coercive behavior. Although Goodwin admitted to the coercive control charges, he denied any involvement in Olivia’s death. However, the jury found him guilty of both the murder and the controlling behavior, delivering a verdict that underscored the severity of his actions.

In addition to the charges related to Olivia, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that further charges had been authorized against Goodwin for offenses committed against three other women over a span of five years. The details of these additional allegations are expected to be disclosed during the next court hearing, along with statements from the prosecution regarding sentencing and further legal actions. The case has brought to light the dangerous consequences of coercive control and domestic abuse, prompting calls for increased awareness and preventative measures in Somerset, Liverpool, and beyond.