Coventry man stabs friend to death in 'unprovoked' attack
Ryan Willden was found guilty of murdering Mark Hoof and the attempted murder of Mark's partner.
Last updated 16th Nov 2022
Ryan Willden, 38, has been convicted of killing Mark Hoof, 36, and the attempted murder of his partner in an unprovoked attack in Coventry last year.
On 25 February 2021, Willden went on the violent rampage in multi-occupancy accommodation on Waveley Road, which he shared with Mark and Mark’s girlfriend.
He barged into their room where his friends were sleeping and attacked Mark first. He then turned his attention to Mark's girlfriend and stabbed her in the neck and leg.
The 46-year-old woman managed to get into a neighbouring house, after climbing the garden fence. She was given initial first aid and an ambulance was called.
Mark received multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.
Willden was arrested on suspicion of murder. He pleaded not guilty throughout the investigation claiming he was trying to break up a fight between the couple.
However, on the first day of the trial at Warwick Justice Centre, Willden of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mark and, yesterday (15 November) was found guilty of the attempted murder of Mark’s partner.
Detective Inspector Ade George from West Midlands Police 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 effected and she has permanent nerve damage in her neck.”
"My partner, my soulmate, my best friend."
Mark’s partner said: "Mark - happy, funny, loved life. You made people laugh and would do anything for anyone. I’m so lost without you.
"My partner, my soulmate, 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."
While his family paid further tribute to him saying: "Mark was cheeky and charismatic. He was a joker and loved playing pranks on all of us.
"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. I miss the conversations we used to have.
"Mark was sensitive and he loved giving his mom a cuddle, 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.
Willden will be sentenced on 20 January, 2023.