Man jailed for 'broom handle' murder
Carl Silcox sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years
Last updated 7th Jul 2023
A South Wales man's been jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years at Newport Crown Court for murdering his partner with a wooden broom handle.
45-year-old Carl Silcox claimed he'd woken up to find girlfriend Adell Cowan already dead in bed.
Police arrived at their flat in Caerphilly in October 2020 to find Adell had suffered visible injuries to her face and head - and blood-stained clothing and bedsheets were at the scene.
She had also suffered severe internal injuries.
During his trial, Silcox denied inflicting the injuries and told the court he would never have harmed Miss Cowan and loved her.
Adell’s family has issued the following statement:
“It's been two years and eight months since Adell was taken from us in the most horrific way.
“Today, after all this time, we finally feel we can start to grieve properly. Today we have justice.
“Nothing can ever fill the void our family has been left with. Nothing can ever give Adell her life back, her stolen future, but we can now begin to grieve knowing the person responsible has been held accountable.
“During the course of the investigation many lies were told and admitted to, not only about Adell’s death but also about Adell’s character.
“Our family would like to have the final say on Adell’s character, who she was and what she meant to everyone who knew her.
“We would like Adell to be remembered for who she really was.
“Adell was a bright, bubbly person; loved by anyone who met her. Adell had a smile that would brighten up anyone’s day.
“She loved and cared for her family and her friends alike. She was the person you could share anything with and get an honest response.
“That is how we believe Adell would want to be remembered.
“Hearing what Adell went through in her final moments will haunt us forever. We know it can't have been easy for those involved in the entire investigation.
“We would like to thank each and every person involved for their hard work and commitment.
“We would especially like to thank the family liaison officers, victim support officers and those who have worked very closely with our family and supported us through the most difficult of times.
“We would also like to thank the community for their support and the love shown for Adell. She really was so very loved.
“And finally, we would like to thank all the court staff for the consideration and support they have all shown during the trial.”
Detective Superintendent Nick Wilkie, the senior investigating officer, said:
“Adell Cowan was murdered by a man who claimed to love her.
“His actions were vicious and vile, and in direct contrast to what he claimed during the trial. There is nothing else to say about him.
“Adell was a bubbly and sociable woman who was well known and loved; she continues to be missed dearly.
“Our thoughts remain with her family, friends and loved ones, who lost their much-loved sister, auntie and niece in this deeply distressing and tragic incident.
“I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of Gwent Police, to pay tribute to Adell’s family, her friends and loved ones.
“The strength and courage that they’ve shown from the start of our investigation has been incredible, and they have carried themselves with such dignity during the trial.
“Our aim was to seek justice for Adell and the support of her family has helped achieve that throughout our enquiries. They are a credit to Adell and her memory.
“No sentence is available which can bring Adell back and we hope this result brings some comfort to all that knew and loved her.”