Overview
- Prosecutors told jurors that Robert Kellett died from fatal head trauma after repeated blows over the weekend of October 5-6, 2024.
- A teenage lodger discovered Kellett’s body, wrapped and covered in tarpaulin, in the bathroom on September 12, 2025, about 11 months after he was reported missing.
- Cheryl Downs, 66, has accepted causing Kellett’s death and admitted preventing a lawful and decent burial plus attempted fraud but is expected to argue self‑defence or diminished responsibility.
- Police went to the Terry Road home after Kellett was reported missing but Downs refused officers entry and had moved his car which, the prosecution says, delayed further investigation.
- The prosecution says the killing capped a long pattern of abuse, financial control and intimidation described by neighbours and psychologists who reported narcissistic and psychopathic traits in Downs, raising questions for the trial about welfare checks and the handling of missing‑person reports.