A MUM'S chilling final moments before she was strangled to death by her killer lover have been revealed.
Victoria Thomas, 45, was brutally murdered by her partner Alcwyn Thomas, 44, at their home in Cardiff in August last year.
The killer had claimed Victoria died from “erotic asphyxiation” during a “sex act gone wrong”, but was found guilty of her murder at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday.
CCTV footage has now revealed the mum-of-two's final moments as she walked home from bingo with her partner on August 19.
The pair, who were not married, had visited a pub before going to bingo hall in the north of the Welsh capital with members of the defendant's family.
Thomas had drunk a total of 16 pints of lager and had been using cocaine that evening, with his behaviour being described as argumentative and moody.
The video appears to show Victoria and her killer partner arguing on a street corner outside the bingo hall at around 9.18pm.
Here, Thomas was captured taking cocaine and engaging in an argument with Victoria before the couple get in a taxi.
They can then be seen walking together at 9.26pm but noticeably separated, with Thomas walking slightly further ahead.
This was the last time Victoria was seen, and her body was discovered early the next morning.
Police say Thomas sent a text to his sisters shortly after 11pm after the couple had returned home.
It ominously read: “Sorry I done something so bad”;.
Victoria's body was discovered during the early hours of August 20, after Thomas' niece went to check on the mum's welfare, following the concerning texts.
When cops arrived, Thomas was found sleeping in the couple's bedroom on the middle floor of their home.
During a police interview, he replied “no comment” when questioned, although he later admitted to intentionally strangling Victoria.
The court heard earlier this month that the couple had rowed in the taxi home after Thomas complained about his gambling losses.
However, he has now been found guilty of her murder and will be sentenced next month.
‘HEART-BREAKING ORDEAL'
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell said: “Victoria Thomas was a much-loved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and niece.
“Her devastated family have shown tremendous patience and dignity during this heart-breaking ordeal.
“Our thoughts are with them today as they have been throughout.”
DCI Powell added: “Having killed Victoria in the spare bedroom, Alcwyn Thomas then went to sleep in their bedroom.
“At no time, did he make any efforts to revive Vicki or seek help for her.
“We would like to thank all the witnesses who assisted the investigation, as well as the prosecution team.”
Thomas will be sentenced on April 24.
Domestic abuse - how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
- The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refugeon0808 2000 247for free at any time, day or night
- Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKindon0182 3334 244
- Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galopon0800 999 5428
- If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
