Matthew Battenbough, 33, pleads guilty to killing Leanne Williams who suffered ‘significant injuries’ in assault at her Gomer Road property
A man has admitted murdering a 47-year-old woman in her own home in Swansea earlier this year.
Matthew Battenbough, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Leanne Williams, who was found dead at her property in the Townhill area of the city on 27 February.
The court heard that Ms Williams had suffered “significant injuries” consistent with an assault when police officers discovered her body at her home in Gomer Road at approximately 2pm.
Discovery and Investigation
South Wales Police’s Major Crime Team launched a murder investigation immediately after the grim discovery, with detectives working to piece together Ms Williams’s final movements.
A Home Office post-mortem examination carried out in the days following her death identified the significant injuries that had led to her death.
Police established that Ms Williams was last known to be alive at 6pm on Monday, 24 February – three days before her body was discovered by officers responding to the property.
Detective Inspector David Butt of South Wales Police said: “The news of Leanne’s death was devastating to her family and to the wider communities of Townhill and Swansea.
Initial Arrests and Charges
The investigation initially saw two men arrested in connection with Ms Williams’s death. Both were taken into police custody as detectives worked around the clock to establish what had happened at the Gomer Road property.
Battenbough was charged with murder on 4 March and appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he was remanded into custody. During that brief hearing, wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth before District Judge Christopher James sent the case to the crown court.
The second man who had been arrested, aged 41, was released from custody on 5 March with no further action taken against him, police confirmed.
Community Impact
The murder sent shockwaves through the close-knit Townhill community, with residents expressing their disbelief at the tragedy that had unfolded in their neighbourhood.
A police cordon remained in place at the Gomer Road address for several days as forensic teams conducted their investigation, with officers going door-to-door to speak with neighbours and gather any potential evidence.
Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea, who led the initial investigation, said at the time: “This tragic news has come as shock to the local community and of course is devastating for her family who we are supporting.
Police had appealed for anyone who lived in or travelled through Gomer Road or surrounding areas between 6pm on 24 February and 2.20pm on 27 February to check their private CCTV or dashcam footage for anything that might assist the investigation.
Court Proceedings
Battenbough’s guilty plea at Swansea Crown Court on Monday brings to an end what would have been a lengthy trial process. The 33-year-old defendant was further remanded into custody following his admission of guilt.
He will return to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, 26 September, where he faces a mandatory life sentence for murder. The judge will determine the minimum term he must serve before being eligible for parole.
Support for Family
Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, Ms Williams’s family have been supported by specially trained family liaison officers from South Wales Police.
Detective Inspector Butt added: “Leanne’s family are being supported by specially trained officers. We hope that Matthew Battenbough’s guilty plea will offer them some relief following this traumatic time.”
The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and murder on families and communities across Wales. Townhill, a residential area on the northern edge of Swansea, has rarely seen such serious violent crime, making the tragedy all the more shocking for local residents.
Looking Ahead
As the community continues to come to terms with the loss of Ms Williams, attention now turns to the sentencing hearing next month, where more details about the circumstances of her death may emerge.
The guilty plea spares Ms Williams’s family the additional trauma of a trial, where they would have had to hear graphic evidence about her final moments.
South Wales Police have not released any information about a potential motive for the killing, and such details may only become clear during the sentencing hearing when the prosecution outlines the full facts of the case.
The force has thanked members of the public who came forward with information during the investigation, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in solving serious crimes.
Anyone affected by this case or experiencing domestic violence is urged to contact support services or South Wales Police for help and advice.
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