A woman is accused of murdering her ex-partner and hiding his decomposing body in a bathroom under a tarpaulin for 11 months, a court has heard.
Body found in advanced state of decomposition
Robert Kellett, 62, was discovered dead at a property on Terry Road, High Wycombe, on September 12 last year. His ex-partner, Cheryl Downs, 66, is now on trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, accused of his murder.
The court heard that Downs allegedly subjected Mr Kellett to years of abuse before killing him on the toilet. The prosecution claims she took control of his finances and subjected him to a brutal campaign of physical abuse and intimidation for decades.
Mr Kellett's body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. The prosecution alleges that Downs' conduct towards her partner worsened when she was drinking, and that she used his bank card the day after he was killed to buy wine and cigarettes.
Neighbors reported abuse
Downs' neighbors had reported her to police multiple times, describing her as verbally abusive and prone to screaming like a banshee at Mr Kellett and banging on walls during the night. One couple sold their home to get away from her, and she allegedly threatened to kill a neighbor if she ever returned.
Prosecuting, Caroline Carberry KC said that Downs has accepted killing Mr Kellett but is expected to argue self-defense or diminished responsibility due to her mental state. She has admitted charges of preventing a lawful and decent burial and attempted fraud.
Years of control and abuse
Ms Carberry described the relationship as long-standing but deeply troubled, characterized by Downs' volatile personality, financial pressure, lies, and conflict. The killing was the culmination of years of controlling and abusive behavior, occurring just as Mr Kellett had moved out and was attempting to start a life independent of her.
Mr Kellett died from fatal head trauma, including multiple skull fractures caused by repeated blows with a heavy implement, over the weekend of October 5-6, 2024. He was no longer living at the address but had returned for the weekend to assist Downs financially.
He was in the bathroom, likely on the toilet, when he was initially attacked and then incapacitated and helpless on the floor as the attack continued. Psychologists have identified narcissistic and psychopathic personality traits in Downs, and Mr Kellett had feared for his safety during the relationship.
Discovery of the body
After his death, Mr Kellett was reported missing by his boss. Police attended the Terry Road home but Downs refused to let them in, claiming she had not seen him. She had moved his car from outside, and police did not investigate further at that time.
The body was discovered 11 months later by a teenage lodger moving into the house, who investigated a terrible smell and made the grim discovery. The prosecution suggested Downs wanted the body to be found and used the young lodger for that purpose.
Mr Kellett had contacted police about Downs' conduct several times from 2010 onwards, with the most recent report just five days before he was killed. Downs was arrested multiple times for assaulting him, but he did not press charges on each occasion.
The trial continues.
