A man who planned and executed the murder of his wife by stabbing her in the neck has been sentenced to life in prison. Shane Simmonds, 39, killed his wife, Tia, at their home on Parbury Road, Forest Hill, on New Year’s Day. Today, Judge Philip Katz KC sentenced him at the Old Bailey to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 32 years.
The court heard how Simmonds had meticulously planned the murder for at least a month. On December 2, he searched online for “how long for a dead body to smell,” and in November, he researched sleeping pill overdoses.
During sentencing, Judge Katz described the brutal attack: “Tia Simmonds was 32 years old when she was drugged and stabbed to death in her own room.” He highlighted that Tia was in the prime of her life and had four adoring children.
Tia’s father, addressing the court and glaring at Simmonds, said: “My daughter Tia was an incredible woman. She made me proud every day with all she accomplished. She was a strong, determined woman, a business owner, but best of all, a mother to my beautiful grandchildren who have been left without a mother.”
Cold-Blooded Attack
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC detailed the events of January 1. Simmonds waited until their children were out of the house before mixing 30 sleeping pills into two drinks, presenting them to Tia as a “health shot.” Tia took only a few sips due to the bitter taste. When she refused the rest, Simmonds retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her twice in the neck as she exited the shower.
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnWA0o7pMPo
After killing Tia, Simmonds covered her body with bedding and clothing before hiding it in the attic. He then cleaned the scene, collected their children and Tia’s mother from Bromley, and fabricated a story that Tia had gone out with a friend and was later staying at a hotel.
On January 3, Simmonds walked into Lewisham Police Station and confessed, telling an officer, “I f***ed up big this time, I killed my wife.” He also admitted to raping another woman.
A Decade of Deception
Ms. Heer told the court that Tia and Simmonds had been married for ten years. Despite appearing as a happy couple, there were underlying issues. Simmonds had lost his job as a prison officer before the COVID lockdowns and, at the time of the murder, was working as an Uber driver. He struggled with gambling debts and was known to use prostitutes. Tia suspected he was cheating on her, and three months before her murder, she confided in a friend that she was unhappy and considering ending their marriage.
Simmonds claimed in his police interview that he was depressed and felt he was losing his family. He stated that when he stabbed Tia, he “felt nothing.” However, Judge Katz dismissed any suggestion of mental illness that could explain his actions, stating there was no evidence to support such a defence.
Heartbreak and Condemnation from Tia’s Family
Tia’s family gave emotional impact statements in court, expressing their pain and loss. Tia’s father condemned Simmonds as a “coward” and said, “There’s no forgiveness in me for the coward before me, or for anyone who would support such a monster.” He added, “Tia will be remembered as the person she is, and you will be remembered as nothing.”
Tia’s godmother also shared her grief, saying, “Tia was brutally murdered by the man we once welcomed into our family with open arms. This man was treated as a son and brother, and was showered with love and kindness. Yet in return for that love, he took Tia’s life, shattering our world and leaving us in unimaginable pain.”
Tia’s mother described Simmonds as “evil beyond words” and expressed her hopes that memories of Tia would haunt him in prison.
A Tragic Loss
Tia was described as a loving and generous person who ran a successful childminding business. Her death has left a devastating void in her family’s lives. The judge’s sentence reflects the premeditated nature of the crime and the deep impact it has had on Tia’s loved ones.
Simmonds will serve a minimum of 32 years before he is eligible for parole.
