Man found guilty of killing ex-partner after row over loud music
A man has been convicted of killing his former partner found with 86 injuries following a row over loud music.
Rickardo Wilson initially claimed mother-of-eight Claire Harris was drunk after she was found lying on the floor by one of her sons say West Midlands Police.
Her son Daniel Piddington had become increasingly worried about 44-year-old when she failed to return home or respond to anxious calls from family members after visiting her ex-boyfriend in the Dudley flat they once shared.
The son had visited Wilson's address in Cinder Bank, Netherton.
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And after Wilson finally answered the door Mr Piddington found his mother sprawled on the floor.
Ms Harris had suffered severe head and neck injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene.
In a police statement, Wilson claimed a struggle had ensued between him and Ms Harris following a disagreement over the volume of the music they were playing.
The 50-year-old was convicted of manslaughter yesterday following a trial at Stafford Crown Court. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Inspector Paul Joyce, from the Force CID team, said: “Following a detailed investigation, we have finally got the answers Ms Harris’ family have been waiting for in this tragic case.
“I hope this can give the family some comfort, knowing the person responsible for their loved one’s death has been dealt with accordingly.”
A tribute from Ms Harris’ family following her death said: “Mom was always there when we needed her most and always had a great story to tell.
“She was our rock when our dad sadly passed after a battle with cancer in March 2017.
“Having to deal with losing both our parents in the space of nine months has been the most heart-breaking thing we will ever have to face.
“She was taken from us all too soon, and it’s left a big hole in our hearts. Our memories will live on in all of her children.”
