Husband Jailed For Murder of Moss side Wife

26 April 2012, 12:44 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Melvyn Edwards, the man who killed and raped his own wife in Moss Side has been jailed for 16 years.

59 year old Melvyn Edwards of Great Western Street in Moss Side was found guilty of two counts of rape and the manslaughter of Juliet Edwards at Manchester Crown Court yesterday and was sentenced today.

Back in July 2011, emergency services were called to a house on Great Western Street, Moss Side, after getting reports a 48 year old woman had a serious injury.

When officers arrived, Edwards was leaning over his wife, tending to her. She was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

A Home Office post mortem said Juliet died from a single stab wound to the neck.

Edwards, who was living separately from his wife at the time, claimed that he had noticed a light on in Mrs Edwards’ home as he walked home from a party.

He said he thought it was odd and used his key to let himslef in, where he found Juliet on the floor, suffering from her injury.

Edwards was originally arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Assault but after Juliet’s death he was arrested and charged with murder.

Following medical examinations of Mrs Edwards’ body, he was also charged with rape.

It later came out that Juliet had told family about a number of domestic violence incidents and that Edwards had raped her. Her family asked her to call police, but instead she ended her marriage.

The family then told police about the abuse after her death.

In a statement, Juliet’s family said “No sentence in the world could ever give us back our mother.  The sentence of 16 years passed today is of no comfort to us and we are simply left numb. 

“It does however provide some form of closure for us, her children, and the rest of the family in so far as everyone now knows the truth of what Melvyn Edwards did to our mother.

“We can now finally allow our mum to rest in peace.”

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson said: “This is a very sad and tragic case that has understandably left a family truly devastated.

“During their relationship, Juliet was raped and suffered a number of domestic violence incidents.

“She found the strength to leave her abusive relationship and end her marriage, making it clear that there was no chance of reconciliation.

“This unfortunately led to a further rape and her unnecessary death and reflects the kind of controlling and violent person Melvyn Edwards is.

“I hope this sentencing can go some way to helping Mrs Edwards’ loved ones get their lives back on track and feeling that some kind of justice has been served.”