Man accused of murdering wife on new year day appears in court

An estranged husband accused of murdering his wife and her lover at a house in Duffield on New Year's Day has appeared in court. 

Rhys Hancock, 39, of Portland Street, Etwall, Derbyshire, is accused of killing Helen Hancock, also 39, from Duffield, Derbyshire, and Martin Griffiths, 48, from Derby, at the former marital home.

Mrs Hancock, a teacher, and father-of-two Mr Griffiths were discovered with multiple stab wounds at the detached property  in New Zealand Lane, Duffield, after police were first called at 4.11am.

Hancock, who had three children – aged nine, four and three – with his wife, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court for a brief 10-minute hearing on Friday.

Wearing a black suit blazer, white shirt and appearing unshaved, Hancock appeared in the dock, flanked by security officers, and spoke only to confirm his name, age and nationality.

Prosecutor Jeanette Stevenson confirmed to the court that Hancock, a head teacher, had been "compliant with police on arrest and throughout the whole process".

Magistrates were told how officers arriving at the home found and arrested Hancock outside the address.

Once inside, police went to a bedroom where they discovered Mr Griffiths, who was already deceased, and the gravely injured Mrs Hancock.

Paramedics battled unsuccessfully for 15 minutes to save her, the court heard.

Nobody else was in the house at the time and the children had been staying with a grandparent at the time of the incident, magistrates were told.

Ms Stevenson said that the defendant and Mrs Hancock had separated "some time ago", describing Mr Griffiths as her "new partner".

Hancock was remanded in custody to appear at Derby Crown Court on Monday.

The scene in Duffield after two people were found dead in a house (PA)

Following the hearing, Derbyshire Police issued a fresh appeal for witnesses who may have spoken to either Hancock or the two victims in the days leading up to New Year's Eve.

Source: Evening Standard