A Canterbury woman has been convicted of murdering her husband and hiding his body in their garden.

Maureen Rickards was found guilty following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court on March 13, 2025. The 47-year-old will be sentenced next month.

Police launched an investigation after Jeremy Rickards, Maureen’s husband, was reported missing by a family member on July 5, 2024. Maureen initially claimed Jeremy had moved to Saudi Arabia for work and died overseas. However, detectives found no evidence of Jeremy leaving the country.

A search at their property in Canterbury revealed Jeremy’s body hidden in the garden on July 11, 2024. He had suffered five fatal stab wounds to the chest, as well as earlier injuries suggesting repeated abuse.

Further investigation revealed Maureen Rickards had attempted to conceal her crime. She had been using Jeremy’s bank cards between June 20 and June 30, resulting in her initial arrest for fraud. Video evidence found on her phone captured her verbally abusing her husband shortly before his death.

Detective Inspector Brian Morley stated: “Sadly, evidence shows Maureen Rickards repeatedly abused her husband prior to the fatal attack. She displayed no remorse throughout our investigation and sought to mislead investigators at every opportunity.

He continued, “We encourage anyone experiencing abuse at the hands of a partner to seek support immediately. Kent Police will always support victims and bring offenders to justice.

Jeremy Rickards’ family continues to receive support from specialist officers.