A MAN has been jailed for life after being convicted of killing his friend and the attempted murder of their partner in an unprovoked attack in Coventry in 2021.
Ryan Willden’s violent rampage happened in the multi-occupancy accommodation on Waveley Road he shared with Mark Hoof and Mark’s girlfriend, who had taken him under their wing when he moved in.
But on February 25, 2021, Willden barged into their room where his friends were sleeping, attacking Mark.
As he tried to get away, Willden turned his attention to Mark’s partner, stabbing her in the neck and leg.
The 46-year-old woman fled for her life, climbing the garden fence and managing to get into a neighbouring house.
She was given initial first aid and an ambulance was called, but Mark received multiple stab wounds and died at the scene aged 36.
Today, at Warwick Justice Centre, Wilden was sentenced to two life terms and must serve at least 16 years before being eligible to apply for parole.
Mark’s partner paid tribute to him, describing him as happy, funny and having a love of life.
“He made people laugh and would do anything for anyone. I’m so lost without my partner, soul mate and best friend.
“This has literally shattered my heart to pieces and I will never be the same again.”
Mark’s family paid further tribute, describing him as cheeky and charismatic and as someone who loved playing pranks.
“Mark 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.
“We know there will never be closure but we will have to learn to adapt and move forward together.”
