Man charged over double murder in Derbyshire

By Wesley Smith

A man has appeared before magistrates charged with a double murder in Derbyshire.

Rhys Geoffrey Hancock, who's 39, is charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Helen, who was also 39, at her home in Duffield.

Her body was found with stab wounds in a bedroom in the early hours of New Year's Day along with Martin Griffiths who was 48.

Rhys Geoffrey Hancock flanked by police officers in court today Credit: Liz Cook/ITV News Central

The court heard paramedics fought for fifteen minutes to save Mrs. Hancock's, nee Almey's, life but she was later pronounced dead at the scene on New Zealand Lane.

Mr. Hancock appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court this morning (3rd January) and was remanded in custody to appear at Derby Crown Court on Monday 6th January.

Helen Almey and Martin Griffiths Credit: Derbyshire Police

Meanwhile Derbyshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to contact between Mrs. Hancock and officers prior to the incident.