RYAN Willden has been convicted of killing his friend and the attempted murder of their partner in an unprovoked attack in Coventry last year.
The 38-year-old went on the rampage in multi-occupancy accommodation on Waveley Road, which he shared with Mark Hoof and Mark’s girlfriend who had taken Willden under their wing when he moved into the home.
On February 25, 2021, Willden barged into the couple’s room where they were sleeping and attacked Mark.
As he tried to get away, Willden then stabbed Mark’s partner in the neck and leg.
Mark Hoof. Picture by West Midlands Police. s
The 46-year-old managed to escape into a neighbouring house after climbing the garden fence.
She was given initial first aid and an ambulance was called but Mark, 36, received multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.
Willden was arrested on suspicion of murder but pleaded not guilty throughout the investigation, claiming he was trying to break up a fight between the couple.
However, he then pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mark on the first day of the trial at Warwick Justice Centre.
Today (November 15) he was found guilty of the attempted murder of Mark’s partner.
He will be sentenced on January 20.
Detective Insp Ade George, from West Midlands Police’s homicide unit, said: “This was a dreadful unprovoked attack on people who had befriended Willden and supported him.
“Their kindness was betrayed in the most horrific way.
“Mark’s family have to live with the circumstances of his death and his partner, who witnessed the horror, has long-term psychological and physical effects.
“Her mobility is affected and she has permanent nerve damage in her neck.”
Mark’s partner paid tribute to him, saying he was ‘happy, funny and loved life’ and that he ‘made people laugh and would do anything for anyone’.
“I’m so lost without you, my partner, my soul mate my best friend.
“This has literally shattered my heart to pieces and I will never be the same again.
“I miss you so much and I will always and forever love you.”
Mark’s family also paid tribute to him, adding: “Mark was cheeky and charismatic. He was a joker and loved playing pranks on all of us.
“He was the life of the party, he had a bubbly personality. He would do anything for his family. He always lived for the moment.
“He was happy as long as he had his family around him. I miss the conversations we used to have.
“Mark was sensitive and he loved cuddling his mom, unfortunately, my mom will never be able to cuddle her son again.
“We know there will never be closure but we will have to learn to adapt and move forward together”.
