50-Year-Old Man Strangles 30-Year-Old Girlfriend Over Scam Suspicion

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
March 5, 2025
12 minutes read

(Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

A man who believed his son and girlfriend were trying to scam him has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering her. Richard Jones, 50, must serve a minimum of 20 years for the brutal killing of 30-year-old Sophie Evans. In an emotional court session at Swansea Crown Court, Jones’ own son, Jamie Davies, delivered a heartbreaking victim impact statement, stating his life has never been the same since his father strangled his girlfriend, told BBC.

The trial revealed that Evans was found lying face down with severe injuries across her head, face, neck, trunk, arms, and legs. Forensic pathologist Dr. Edward John Williams confirmed that her injuries were “entirely in keeping with forceful and sustained pressure to the neck during the assault.”

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When police arrived at the scene, Evans was found on the kitchen floor, wearing only a bath towel. Prosecutor Michael Jones KC described the attack: “What we know is in that house, the defendant physically and repeatedly attacked Ms. Evans before strangling her to death.”

Investigators later discovered a chilling note in Jones’ vehicle that read: “I got scammed and rinsed by my own son so I dealt with it myself. Had no other choice.” Following the murder, Jones was seen on CCTV casually buying a tuna roll and a custard slice from a local bakery.

During sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters addressed the convicted murderer: “You were found guilty of murder. You had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility. I heard the evidence of the trial, which established that on the morning of July 5, 2024, you went to the home of your victim, Sophie Evans, in Llanelli. She was in a relationship with your son Jamie Davies.

“Sophie Evans was 30 years old and a mother of two young children. That morning, before you arrived, she had just taken her children to school for the last time. She wasn’t to know that she would never see them again.” Judge Walters detailed how Jones had visited Evans’ home under the pretense of helping with maintenance work before launching his fatal attack.

“In that morning, whatever process caused it to happen, you repeatedly beat her for a period of time before strangling her to death. She was wearing only a bath towel when police later found her lying naked on her own kitchen floor, with rigor mortis already set in.”

Defense lawyer David Elias KC argued that Jones’ paranoia, exacerbated by poor mental health and drug use, contributed to his actions. Jamie Davies’ victim impact statement was read aloud in court: “Since the moment Sophie was taken away from me, my life has never been the same. I’m suffering from depression and anxiety due to losing Sophie.

She was the most beautiful, loving, and caring person I could ever ask for. “She loved her father, siblings, and her two young children dearly. What Richard has done is truly unforgivable. He’s ruined my future and the possibility of having a family unit of my own. Sophie was my future wife. We were planning on having children and discussing where we were going to get married.

Sophie Evans was murdered (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

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Our plans and dreams have been taken away from us due to the selfish actions of Richard. “We trusted Richard and were never concerned about having him over. I didn’t think for one minute he was capable of harming Sophie, never mind murdering her. She was planning Richard’s birthday and organizing a meal for him. That’s just one of many examples of Sophie’s kindness towards this man.”

Jamie Davies concluded with a plea for justice for Sophie’s two young children, who must now navigate life without their mother. “The thought of having to live our lives without Sophie causes me extreme pain and heartache.” Jones’ sentencing brings some closure to the grieving family, though the loss of Sophie Evans leaves an unfillable void in the lives of those who loved her.