A life sentence has been handed down to the ‘unspeakably evil’ man who murdered 29-year-old conservationist Olivia Wood in Frome last year.

Kieron Goodwin, 33, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, May 8, to life in prison with a minimum term of 35 years having been convicted of Olivia’s killing, and 15 further offences against her and three other women.

In statements read out in court, Olivia’s family spoke of the ‘mountain of agonising pain’ her murder had caused, while the other three victims spoke about the significant and long-term effect of his offending on each of them.

Goodwin, of Frome, was convicted in April of 12 offences after a five-week trial and earlier admitted controlling and coercive behaviour against each victim.

He had been in a relationship with Olivia for fewer than three months when he fatally strangled her on July 30.

The police investigation found a packed suitcase and bags filled with Olivia’s clothes and toiletries, which the jury was told this suggested she was planning to leave.

During the sentencing hearing, the court was told about the impact of Olivia’s loss on her family, and of the effect of his physical and psychological abuse on the three surviving victims.

Her mum, Astrid Wood, spoke of her ‘loving, hardworking and helpful’ daughter whose compassion sparked her interest in nature, particularly protecting small animals.

She said: “A hole has been severed and bitten out of my heart, out of my womb. It hurts. I feel sick. I am limping inside with pain. I gave life to Olivia and no-one, no person on this earth was allowed to take her life away. She will never walk through my front door again; I cannot hear her footsteps ever again.

Olivia Wood. Photo released April 24 20225. A 33-year-old has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend on the night she planned to end their relationship. Kieron Goodwin fatally strangled Olivia Wood, 29, who he had been in a relationship with for fewer than three months.It followed a campaign of physical and psychological abuse in which Goodwin threatened to harm himself, forcing Olivia to take time off from work. WhatsApp messages also showed he tried to pressure her into having sex with another man, despite her repeatedly refusing.
Olivia Wood (Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)

“I miss her voice, her laugh, her warmth, her stories from work, her experiences with the little animals that she loved so much. There was always a beetle or a bumblebee to rescue.”

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Olivia, the youngest of four sisters, was found seriously unwell in Goodwin’s Frome flat by paramedics. She died in hospital later that day with her family at her side.

In their victim personal statements read out in court, Olivia’s sisters spoke of their closeness and the impact of her loss.

As well as the murder of Olivia, Goodwin was also sentenced for controlling and coercive behaviour against her having pleaded guilty to the offence.

He also admitted the latter offence against three other victims. He denied – but was found guilty of – the following offences against them:

  • Four counts of rape 
  • Five counts of causing person to engage in sexual activity without consent 
  • One count of sexual assault by penetration
  • One count of intentional strangulation 

Alongside his prison sentence, the judge also granted indefinite restraining orders preventing Goodwin from contacting three other victims.

Det Supt Lorett Spierenburg, the senior investigating officer, said: “We know how special Olivia was – her kindness and compassion for others, not only people, but also for wildlife has become so clearly evident over these past nine months.

“Her loss has left a hole in her family that will never be filled.”