Man jailed for life after mother-of-one was found dead in Eltham

A man has been jailed for life after a mother-of-one was found dead in Eltham.

Ricky Woodford, 42, of Henwick Road, was sentenced yesterday to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 10 years 340 days, after being convicted of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Police were called to Woodford’s home just before 10.30am on Friday, October 30 2020, after concerns were raised.

There they found the body of 39-year-old Sarah Smith, who had been in a relationship with Woodford.

A post-mortem examination conducted at Greenwich Mortuary on November 1 2020 found her cause of death to have been head injuries.

Woodford appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, November 11 for sentencing after previously being convicted of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

In victim impact statements, Sarah’s mother and her daughter said: “We have lost our beautiful daughter. The pain and realisation is almost unbearable because we will never get to share anything with her again.

“No parent should ever endure the heartache of losing a child in such violent circumstances.”

“Our world has been turned upside down in to an almost unrecognisable place.

“We love you mum and we all miss you so much. This pain and heartache will never leave, it lives with us forever.”

Detective Inspector Karen Bangs said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with Sarah’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We would like to thank them for their support during our investigation into this tragic incident, and we hope that following the conclusion of these proceedings they will now have the space they need to grieve.”