Head stabbed wife and her lover to death in jealous rage

A DUMPED headteacher butchered his estranged wife and her new love in a New Year’s Eve bloodbath after exploding in a jealous rage at their relationship.

Rhys Hancock, 40, brutally stabbed to death Helen Almey, 39, and Martin Griffiths, 48, after the new couple had celebrated the evening together at Hancock’s former marital home.

The couple, who had been in bed, died from “catastrophic” stab wounds before Hancock rang police to alert them to the killings at the £400,000 detached home in Duffield, near Derby.

Yesterday Hancock pleaded guilty via video link at Derby Crown Court to two counts of murder and was told he would be sentenced at a later date. He faces life in jail.

PE teacher Ms Almey and Mr Griffiths, a marketing firm director and father of two, were discovered in a pool of blood at the property just after 4am on New Year’s Day.

Hancock, who has three children with his wife – aged nine, four and three – was arrested after his 999 call.

He drove 10 miles to his former home after discovering on Boxing Day that his wife had started the relationship. He had brooded for almost a week before exploding in rage and confronting the lovers.

Ms Almey, who had walked out on Hancock just a few months earlier and met Mr Griffiths at a running club, was stabbed with such ferocity the knife’s handle went into her stomach. Jeanette Stevenson, prosecuting, told an earlier hearing Hancock’s mother called 999 to tell police that he had gone back to his former home.

She said: “He left his mother’s address, where his children were also staying, with two knives. His mother said he felt like killing them.” Police tried to phone Ms Almey to warn her but could only reach her answerphone. Ms Stevenson added: “Police received another 999 call from Mr Hancock saying he had murdered his wife and that the children were safe at

Bloodbath...floral tributes outside the murder scene in Duffield, Derbyshire. Inset top left, brutal killer Rhys Hancock, and below, victim Martin Griffiths

his mother’s house. Officers at the scene found Mr Griffiths dead when they arrived. They tried to resuscitate Mrs Hancock for 15 minutes before stopping.”

Devastated relatives previously paid tribute to the pair. Ms Almey’s family said: “The family are devastated at the loss of Helen who was a lovely, beautiful, friendly, bubbly and social person.”

Relatives of Mr Griffiths, who lived in Derby, added: “Martin was a lovely dad, husband, son, brother and uncle, who had a passion for adventure, running and a love of animals.

“He enjoyed travelling the world, mountain climbing and spending time with his two children. He will be greatly missed.”

Neighbours had previously spoke of how Ms Almey had been “finally getting her life back together”.

They also told how they heard screams in the street of “They’re dead. They’re dead,” at around 3am on New Year’s Day.

Derbyshire Police have referred themselves to the police watchdog over contact they had with Ms Almey prior to her death.

It is understood officers were called to her home over the Christmas period after she rang 999 for help.