Headteacher who killed estranged wife and her new partner was a 'cowardly bully' friends claim
A headteacher who killed his estranged wife and her new lover just days after learning of their relationship was a “cowardly bully” who had subjected her to years of abuse, it can now be revealed.
Rhys Hancock, 40, stabbed Helen Almey, 39, and Martin Griffiths, 48, after confronting them at their former marital the village of Duffield, Derbyshire in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The former head of a special school, Hancock had only found out about the relationship on Boxing Day and had sworn revenge on the mother of his three children.
Police had been called to Ms Almey’s home during the Christmas holidays, amid claims that he had threatened her and had been abusive.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, Hancock had left his mother’s house around ten miles away and had driven to confront his estranged wife.
His mother called the police at 4.11am warning them that he had left her home armed with two knives.
Police tried to call Ms Almey’s mobile phone but it went straight to voicemail and at 4.26am, Hancock dialled 999 to say he had murdered Ms Almey and Mr Griffiths.
Yesterday (Mon) Hancock pleaded guilty to both murders and will be sentenced at a later date.
But friends said the warning signs had been there and said he had subjected her to years of domestic abuse.
The couple had formally split early last year and friends said she had been excited about moving on with her life.
One grieving friend said: "Rhys came across as this caring type, who dedicated his life to kids with special needs, but the reality was very different. He was a bully and a coward."
Ms Almey, a PE teacher and Mr Griffiths, a company director, were discovered in a pool of blood at the £400,000 property just after 4am.
Her friend, who did want to be identified, said: ”Rhys was a coward and she suffered at his hands, now this has happened. I can't say I'm shocked. It’s tragic, but it's been on the cards for a long time.
"Down the years police and ambulances were called to their house. Helen was well known to them.
"The marriage was on and off, he'd do something, she'd kick him out, then she'd feel vulnerable being alone with the kids and take him back in. I lived close enough to know what went on and so did some of the other neighbours.
"Helen tried many times to make a life without him, but she always forgave him. Then last year she finally plucked up the courage to kick him out for good, he didn't take it well. About six months later she started seeing this guy, she was really getting her life together.
"I don't think it was easy for them, Rhys was a constant problem. I know he turned up at the house at Christmas and she had to call the police. I wish I could say I'm shocked by what he did, but sadly I'm not."
Hancock was appointed head teacher at Stanton Vale Special Education School in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, in May last year, but had left the post at the time of the killings.
On the night of the murders, Hancock and his three children had been staying with his mother in Etwall, Derbyshire.
At the opening of inquests into their deaths Chesterfield Coroners' Court was told such was the force of the blows that the murder weapon - blade and handle - was lodged in Helen's body when paramedics found her.
They battled to save her for 15 minutes, but she tragically passed away. Mr Griffiths, a father of two, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Derbyshire's Senior Coroner Dr Robert Hunter told the hearing: "Helen Hancock had suffered multiple stab wounds, some of which indicated the use of severe force.
"A knife was recovered from the abdomen. The whole of the knife being within the body. There was also evidence of defence injuries.”
