Coventry man killed friend and attacked his girlfriend
A COVENTRY man killed his friend and then launched a violent attack on his girlfriend after storming into their bedroom while they were asleep.
Ryan Willden moved into a shared house in Waveley Road with Mark Hoof and Mark’s girlfriend, who had taken him under their wing.
But he then barged into their bedroom as they slept on February 25 last year and began what West Midlands Police have described as a ‘dreadful, unprovoked’ attack. He stabbed Mark, 36, a number of times as he tried to get away and then turned his attention on Mark’s partner, stabbing her in the neck and leg.
The 46-year-old woman fled for her life, climbed over a garden fence and raised the alarm at a neighbouring house. She was given initial first aid as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Mark was declared dead at the scene and his girlfriend has been left with permanent nerve damage in her neck and limited mobility as a result of the ferocious attack. Willden, 38, was then arrested and charged with murder.
He pleaded not guilty throughout the investigation claiming he was trying to break up a fight between the couple.
But on the first day of the trial at Warwick Justice Centre, Willden of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mark and on November 15, he was found guilty of the attempted murder of Mark’s partner.
Detective Inspector Ade George, from West Midlands Police’s homicide unit, said: “This was a dreadful unprovoked attack on people who had befriended Willden and supported him. Their kindness was betrayed in the most horrific way.
“Mark’s family have to live with the circumstances of his death and his partner, who witnessed the horror, has long-term psychological and physical effects. Her mobility is effected and she has permanent nerve damage in her neck.”
Paying a heartfelt personal tribute to Mark, his girlfriend said: “Mark - happy, funny, loved life. You made people laugh and would do anything for anyone. I’m so lost without you.
“My partner, my soul mate my best friend. This has literally shattered my heart to pieces and I will never be the same again. I miss you so much and I will always and forever love you.”
His family added to the tribute, saying: “Mark was cheeky and charismatic. He was a joker and loved playing pranks on all of us.
“Mark was the life of the party, he had a bubbly personality. He would do anything for his family. He always lived for the moment.
“He was happy as long as he had his family around him. I miss the conversations we used to have.
“Mark was sensitive and he loved giving his mom a cuddle, unfortunately my mom will never be able to cuddle her son again. We know there will never be closure but we will have to learn to adapt and move forward together.”
Willden will be sentenced for his crimes on January 20, 2023.