Frome man convicted of murdering woman

A Frome man has been convicted of murdering a woman in Portway on the night she planned to end their relationship last year.

Kieron Goodwin, 33, denied killing 29-year-old Olivia Wood but was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court after a five-week trial.

He was also convicted of 15 other offences committed against Olivia and three other women over a five-year period, including rape, intentional strangulation and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The court heard Goodwin had been in a relationship with Olivia for fewer than three months when he fatally strangled her on 30th July.

Avon and Somerset Police said, “It followed a campaign of physical and psychological abuse in which Goodwin threatened to harm himself, forcing Olivia to take time off from work.

“WhatsApp messages also showed he tried to pressure her into having sex with another man, despite her repeatedly refusing.   

“She also transferred him more than £6,000 to help him pay his bills, which he ultimately spent on cocaine.

“At 2.50am on Tuesday 30 July 2024, Goodwin made a 999 call to the ambulance service reporting that Olivia was not breathing, and she was taken to hospital.

“Police officers were called 10 minutes after paramedics arrived at his flat in Portway, where concerns were raised about Olivia’s injuries. Goodwin was initially arrested on suspicion of intentional strangulation later that day.

“Tragically, Olivia died a short while later with her family by her side. Goodwin was then further arrested on suspicion of her murder.

“During the police investigation, a packed suitcase and bags filled with Olivia’s clothes and toiletries was found, with the court told this suggested she was planning to leave.

“Two days after his arrest, Goodwin was then charged with Olivia’s murder by detectives in the Major Crime Investigation Team. He was also charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

“He admitted controlling and coercive behaviour but denied murder. However, he was found guilty on Thursday 24th April.

Paying tribute to Olivia, her family said, “The pain our family is feeling is indescribable. Olivia was the glue that held us together, a loyal friend, a devoted sister, a cherished daughter.

“She was a rarity; profoundly selfless, disarmingly witty, a timeless beauty. Always there to make a cup of tea when someone looked in need, to listen, to help.   

“Now she has been taken from us and we are left with a chasm in our lives, a love that can never be replaced.”

Detective Superintendent Lorett Spierenburg, the senior investigating officer, said, “Kieron Goodwin is an incredibly dangerous and manipulative man who will now face justice for the horrendous crimes he subjected these women to.

“His offending has had a significant impact on each of them and ultimately – and tragically – had fatal consequences for Olivia.

“Each of those women who have spoken so bravely about what they suffered at his hands deserves enormous praise. Not only has it meant he will now be accountable for his crimes, but it will also ensure no other woman will suffer at his hands.

“I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Olivia’s family and friends who have acted with such dignity, despite Goodwin’s cowardice in refusing to admit his crimes and provide them with the answers they deserve about what happened that night.”