In a tragic case that unfolded throughout a three-week trial, 23-year-old Alice Wood has been convicted of the murder of her 24-year-old fiancé, Ryan Watson, following a deliberate car attack in Rode Heath. The verdict was reached at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, January 2, bringing closure to a harrowing chapter for both families involved.
The incident that led to this conviction occurred on May 6, 2022, when Wood repeatedly drove her car at Watson in what witnesses described as a reckless game of ‘chicken.’ The couple had returned home after attending a party in Hanley, where they had consumed alcohol.
Wood, found to have exceeded the legal alcohol limit, drove Watson’s vehicle, a Fiat Punto, back to their residence. After both exited the car, disturbing events unfolded. CCTV footage captured Wood getting into her own car, a Ford Fiesta, and reversing it while Watson was nearby.
Neighbours reported hearing shouting, doors slamming, and the revving of a car engine. The surveillance footage revealed Wood reversing the Fiesta toward Watson, narrowly avoiding him on her first attempt. Shockingly, she then drove towards him a second time, striking him onto the car’s bonnet. Watson initially walked away from the collision, but Wood, with chilling intent, struck him a third time, causing him to be trapped under the car.
Wood continued to drive for approximately 160 meters with Watson pinned beneath the vehicle before finally coming to a stop and seeking assistance from a nearby resident. Emergency services arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, Watson was pronounced dead by paramedics. Wood was taken into custody, subsequently charged with murder, and now faces a prison sentence.
Throughout the trial, Wood opted to answer “no comment” to all questions posed to her. Nevertheless, the weight of the evidence presented against her led to her conviction for the murder of her fiancé. She is currently in custody and is set to be sentenced on January 29.
Detective Inspector Nigel Parr, who led the investigation, expressed hope that the verdict would provide some measure of closure to Watson’s grieving family. Parr emphasized that Wood had employed her vehicle as a lethal weapon while under the influence of alcohol, deliberately targeting Watson and continuing to drive after striking him. He praised the diligent investigative work that ultimately secured the guilty verdict.
In a heartfelt statement, Ryan Watson’s family expressed gratitude for the justice served and shared the profound sense of loss they feel. They remembered him as a compassionate and fun-loving individual with a vibrant personality and a deep commitment to helping others. The family expressed pride in Ryan and their anguish in knowing that his final moments were marked by violence. They also extended their thanks to the emergency services, the police, and the court for their support and dedication in seeking justice for their beloved Ryan.
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