Police have unveiled the first image of Lisa Ellwood, following her conviction for the murder of her husband, Ryan Ellwood, at their residence in Wakefield.
The harrowing incident unfolded after the couple had been out celebrating Lisa’s birthday on August 29 last year. Testimonies from a bar supervisor revealed that Lisa had consumed six potent cocktails containing vodka, gin, Bacardi, and tequila during their visit to The Blind Pig.
Leeds Crown Court heard during the extensive two-year trial that two taxi drivers were involved, with one passenger dropped off near a pizza shop in Doncaster Road and the other taken to Greenwood Court, Wakefield.
CCTV footage captured Lisa Ellwood’s movements, showing her returning home just minutes before an ambulance was summoned to Greenwood Court. Ryan Ellwood was discovered with fatal stab wounds inflicted by a knife that punctured his rib, lung, and aorta. This tragic incident shed light on previous episodes of violence within the relationship.
Friends of Ryan recounted his transformation from a kind-hearted individual to a withdrawn and troubled soul during his marriage. In his closing remarks to the jury, Craig Hassall KC emphasized Ryan’s gradual decline, stating, “Those who knew him before or during the relationship described him as a quiet and kind-hearted man… Throughout the relationship, he became more introverted and deteriorated into a shell of a man.”
Despite Lisa Ellwood’s attempts to portray herself as a victim of domestic abuse, witnesses recounted instances of her aggression towards Ryan in public settings, including an altercation with a pub staff member over a selfie. Mr. Hassall highlighted the significance of these incidents, particularly in light of Lisa’s claims of being a battered wife.
As Lisa Ellwood awaits sentencing, her conviction serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims like Ryan Ellwood.
