Kieron Goodwin, 33, from Frome, Somerset, fatally strangled 29-year-old ecologist Olivia Wood in July 2024. The couple had been together for less than three months, but during that time, Olivia suffered a sustained campaign of physical and psychological abuse.
On Thursday, 24 April 2025, following a five-week trial, Goodwin was convicted of Olivia’s murder and 15 additional offences committed against her and three other women spanning a five-year period.
Olivia, who lived in Liverpool, had been subjected to coercive control, including emotional manipulation and financial exploitation. Evidence presented in court revealed that Goodwin:
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Pressured Olivia into unwanted sexual scenarios
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Repeatedly threatened self-harm to manipulate her
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Forced her to take time off work
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Took over £6,000 from her under false pretences, which he spent on cocaine
A packed suitcase and bags of Olivia’s belongings were discovered at Goodwin’s Portway flat in Somerset, strongly suggesting she intended to leave the relationship the night she was killed.
In the early hours of Tuesday, 30 July 2024, Goodwin called emergency services at 2:50am, reporting that Olivia was not breathing. Paramedics raised concerns over the nature of her injuries, and police were called to the scene just minutes later.
Goodwin was initially arrested on suspicion of intentional strangulation. Olivia died later that day in hospital with her family by her side. Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team subsequently arrested him on suspicion of murder. He was later charged with both murder and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Although Goodwin admitted the coercive control offences, he denied murdering Olivia. The jury found him guilty of both.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has also authorised further charges for additional offences committed by Goodwin against three other women.
Key quotes and further details on the sentencing are expected following the next hearing.
Anyone affected by domestic abuse is encouraged to contact local services or national charities such as Refuge (0808 2000 247) or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for confidential support.
