A jealous husband who brutally murdered his estranged wife in a fit of rage after discovering she had a new lover has been convicted of murder.
Mark Donovan, 39, bludgeoned Elise Mason, 37, to death with a table lamp at his home in Great Baddow, Essex, before casually heading to a pub and two massage parlours. Hours later, he walked into a police station eating a Chinese takeaway and confessed to the crime.
Cold-Blooded Confession
On April 25, 2023, Donovan viciously attacked Elise at his home on Rothmans Avenue, inflicting over 70 injuries to her face, head, neck, and body. The court heard that a love letter from her new boyfriend was found near her body, indicating that Donovan had flown into a jealous rage upon discovering it.
After leaving Elise dead on the floor, Donovan disposed of her phone and bank card, went for drinks at The Blue Lion pub, and attempted to visit massage parlours in Chelmsford and Romford.
At 2:31 am the next morning, he walked into Ilford police station, still eating his takeaway meal, and told officers he had done “the worst thing.”
Murder Trial Verdict
Donovan denied murder, claiming self-defense, but the jury took less than three hours to find him guilty after a three-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The court heard that Donovan had a personality disorder, but prosecution forensic psychiatrist Dr. Raman Deo argued that he did not suffer from any abnormal mental functioning at the time of the killing.
Donovan was not present in court when the verdict was returned. Sentencing is scheduled for next Wednesday, where he faces a mandatory life sentence.
The Couple’s Troubled Relationship
The trial revealed that Donovan and Mason had been teenage friends before starting a relationship in 2010. Elise was his carer, helping him manage his epilepsy, type 1 diabetes, and partial blindness.
However, their relationship broke down in 2022, and Elise had since moved on. The court heard that Donovan had bombarded her with manipulative texts and calls in an attempt to win her back.
On the afternoon of the murder, Elise texted her new boyfriend, saying “You okay babe?” His response at 4:49 pm was never marked as read, suggesting she had already been killed.
Heartbroken Family Speaks Out
Elise’s mother paid tribute to her daughter after the trial, saying:
“I have not only lost my daughter, but I have lost my best friend too. Elise was a fantastic mother to her children and was loved by everybody.
Judge Christopher Morgan has confirmed Donovan will receive a life sentence, with a minimum term to be decided at sentencing.
