A man who strangled his pregnant ex-girlfriend at her home has been convicted of murder.
Matthew Smith, 23, was found guilty by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court of killing 24-year-old Isobel Parker, known as Becky, following a three-week trial.
The court heard Becky and Smith, a factory worker, had been in a relationship for a number of years.
Becky ended the relationship in December 2014 after becoming tired of Smith’s lack of support.
The court was told Smith did not want their relationship to end and felt distressed after finding out she was pregnant with her new partner, Shane.
Police were alerted by paramedics shortly after 3.50pm on July 17 to reports of a woman found collapsed in Booth Place, Burnham.
Becky’s sister had called for help after finding her lying in the bath with cable ties around her neck.
Both Becky and her unborn daughter were declared dead at the scene.
The court heard Smith was understood to have strangled Isobel in the kitchen before placing her in the bath.
He was found by police in Maldon at around 7pm the same evening, and was arrested and later charged with her murder.
Smith, of Wood Corner Caravan Park, Woodham Walter, had admitted manslaughter but denied murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, investigation leader from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This is a sickening murder. Smith could not accept his relationship with Isobel was over after she had moved on to the extent that she was six months pregnant by a new partner.
“When Smith finally realised there was no chance of reconciliation, he strangled her with plastic cable ties, killing her and her unborn baby daughter.
“Despite overwhelming evidence, Smith chose to put Isobel’s family through the ordeal of a court case. The jury has today seen through his lies and convicted him of murder.
“Isobel had everything to live for, but Smith took it all away and destroyed a loving and supportive family in the process. My thoughts are very much with them today.”
In a statement issued after her death Becky’s parents said: “We have been denied of our beautiful daughter and unborn granddaughter. Becky will be greatly missed by the whole family.”
Her new partner, Shane, said: “Becky was the best woman I could have ever wished to meet.
“We were so looking forward to the birth of our first child together, a little girl, who we were going to name Charmaine.”
Smith will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow.
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