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'Merciless' husband strangled wife to death after she ended their marriage

Russell Marsh killed Jade Marsh in her home as their four sons were asleep, a week after she ended the relationship. (Wales police)
Russell Marsh killed Jade Marsh in her home as their four sons were asleep, a week after she ended the relationship. (Wales police)

A husband who murdered his wife as their children slept "yards away" has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years

Russell Marsh, 29, killed 27-year-old Jade Marsh in her home in North Wales, a week after she ended the relationship in August 2021.

He disfigured her face with a knife, before and choking her to death.

Her body was discovered underneath a pile of clothes in a bedroom, while their four sons slept in the same house.

The bedroom door had been secured with a dressing gown cord, the court was told.

Later that day Marsh drove their children to his parent's home in Cheshire, before handing himself in to police, telling officers he had done "something bad".

(Daily Post Wales)
Jade Marsh's body was discovered underneath a pile of clothes in a bedroom, while their four sons slept in the same house. (Daily Post Wales)

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Marsh initially claimed the death was accidental, claiming he said Ms Ward asked him to choke her during sex, before he later told the jury she had mutilated herself and then taunted him.

A jury convicted Marsh of murder at Mold Crown Court.

Marsh was given a life sentence and told he will remain behind bars for at least 25 years.

Judge Rhys Rowlands described Marsh's attack on his partner of nine years as 'merciless and savage'.

The court was told Marsh was repeatedly stabbed and slashed before being strangled.

Marsh has been ordered to serve at least 25 years behind bars. (North Wales Police)
Marsh has been ordered to serve at least 25 years behind bars. (North Wales Police)

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The cause of death was asphyxiation.

At the time of the conviction, Judge Rhys Rowlands said Marsh was a "much loved young mother of four children, who lost her life in a sustained, brutal and cruel attack borne out of jealousy when she ended the controlling relationship".

Following today’s sentencing, Marsh’s family paid tribute to her in an emotional statement.

They said: “Jade was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone.

“Jade was the sunshine in our lives, she was the glue that held us all together. She was also a devoted mum who would do anything for her children, a much-loved friend, daughter, sister, aunty, niece and granddaughter.

“Jade’s whole life was ahead of her and her death has left a void in all our lives.

“The family are very thankful to all of Jade’s friends and colleagues for their support, and to North Wales Police for the investigation that has led to today’s conviction.

"We ask that our privacy is respected and that as a family we can quietly grieve and continue to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss."

Detective Inspector Myfanwy Kirkwood praised Ms Marsh's "strength and courage" throughout the trial.

He added: “On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, Jade had spent time with her four children, friends and family and had enjoyed the afternoon and evening. She was described as being happy and looking forward to her future.

"Russell Marsh took her future away by killing her and only he truly knows the reasons for his dreadful actions, leaving their four children without a mother.

“As a force, North Wales Police is committed to proactively identifying individuals who pose the highest risk of harm to women and girls, and actively manage those individuals to prevent or reduce offending.

“Violent men who harm women and girls should be in no doubt that we are coming after them. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, Live Fear Free can be contacted on 0808 801 0800.”