A man accused of murdering his partner who was found dead in his flat has denied causing her serious internal injuries with a broom handle. He claimed he discovered her in the bedroom and said she was "ice cold" to the touch.
Adell Cowan, 43, was found dead at the home of her boyfriend Carl Silcox, 45, in Caerphilly in the early hours of October 18, 2020. The emergency services had been called to the address in Dol Yr Eos by Silcox from a phone box.
She was pronounced dead at the scene and was found to have suffered facial injuries and significant internal injuries which had been caused by a broom handle found at the flat. Silcox was arrested and initially claimed the injuries had been caused by a group of boys but he changed his story and told police Ms Cowan worked as a prostitute and her injuries had been caused by a client.
Read more: Get the latest court cases sent to your email inbox with our Crime & Punishment newsletter
Giving evidence at a trial at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday the defendant told his defence barrister John Benson he had met Ms Cowan while both were working for Poundland in Caerphilly and they began a relationship. He said he would see her twice a month when the pair would indulge in heavy drinking sessions. Silcox told the court: "Adell liked her drink." He also described Ms Cowan as his "soulmate"
On the Friday before Ms Cowan's death Silcox said he saw Ms Cowan sitting on a bench near the 7/11 shop in Caerphilly among a group of boys who he said were "taunting her a bit". The defendant said he felt intimidated by the group and believed he was pushed or fell to the ground causing him to "smack his face on the floor".
He said Ms Cowan returned to his flat that night and they had sex and the next day they had food, watched television, and "had a spliff". Silcox said Ms Cowan left and he fell asleep on the sofa but when he woke up he could see in the bedroom. Upon entering the bedroom he told the court he said to her: "Girl you can sleep for Wales."
The defendant, of Commercial Street, Aberbargoed, added: "I put my hand on her hand – she was ice cold. Her head was to the side. There was spit on her side where her head turned."
Mr Benson said: "What did you decide to do?" Silcox replied: "Get help. Only way I could explain it was a rabbit in the headlights. I knew I needed to get help. I couldn't find my phone so I went to the phone box."
Silcox was asked why he didn't want to go back into the house. He said: "She was dead." Mr Benson said: "Did you kill her?". Silcox said: "No." Mr Benson said: "Did you injure her?" Silcox said: "No." Mr Benson said: "Did you insert a broom handle into her anus?" Silcox said: "No." The trial continues.
READ NEXT:
Father tried to put another man's name on child's birth certificate for financial gain
-
Robber stole £60 from man as he walked from cash machine while accomplice held his wrists and neck
-
Restaurant owner 'gobsmacked' after employee who stole £150,000 doesn't get sent to prison
-
Murder accused told police he found partner in bed 'dead and cold'
- Pair who made £130,000 dealing cocaine and spent it on clothes and shoes ordered to pay back just £1,300 between them
You can sign up to our regular Crime and Punishment newsletter here while this interactive tool allows you to check the latest crime statistics for your area:
