Man guilty of murdering Stafford woman found dead at home

A man has been found guilty of murdering a woman who was found dead at a home in Staffordshire.

Wayne Bond, 44, was convicted of killing Rebecca Simkin, 31, on Newport Road, Stafford, between 24 and 26 July 2024.

His trial at Stafford Crown Court lasted 10 days, and he will be sentenced on Friday.

In a statement, Ms Simkin’s mother and stepfather, Julie and Michael Riglar, said she was “an amazing mum and loving daughter,” adding: “Beckii had her faults but she never deserved to die this way.”

“Beckii was tragically subjected to a violent assault which sadly led to her death,” said Det Insp Gina Pope, of Staffordshire Police.

“Bond showed absolute cowardice in failing to report Beckii’s death and leaving her in his flat for a number of days and for failing to give evidence during the trial.”

Police said CCTV footage showed Bond and Ms Simkin together on Newport Road, Stafford, at about 19:40 on 23 July 2024.

Ms Simkin could be clearly seen without any injuries, they said.

Footage at 21:15 then showed them entering Bond’s flat at Eagle House, which offers temporary accommodation for single people aged 18-64 facing homelessness.

Ms Simkin did not live at Eagle House, police added.

They said she had been signed in but never signed out and was not seen on any CCTV after that time.

They said several residents said they heard a woman screaming late on 25 July and in the early hours of 26 July.

Officers said Bond returned to his flat on 29 July and told a member of staff that a woman who had been staying in his room had passed away.

He said they had a squabble.

Ms Simkin’s body was found wrapped in a blanket underneath an upturned sofa and she was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later.