GUILTY: Husband murdered his wife – family speak out

Guilty: Jury concludes Michael Bamford murdered his wife

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An axe wielding killer murdered his wife and tried to make out she had committed suicide.

Littleborough taxi driver Michael Bamford shot his wife in the head at their luxury home in Zimbabwe in August 2004, after holding her under water in their garden pool, and threatening her with an axe.

Bamford denied murder but was sent to trial at Manchester Crown Court where he was convicted today (Thursday 18 December).

He was arrested and charged with Ivy's murder by Zimbabwean police but claimed his wife had killed herself because she was depressed and suicidal. Bamford was bailed in early 2005 and fled to the UK.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Kevin Greevy, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "This has been a very challenging and extremely protracted murder inquiry, but finally after more than four years we have brought Ivy's killer to justice.

"We will probably never know why Bamford decided to kill his wife. Was it for the money? Only he knows why he did it and he will have to live with the consequences of his murderous actions for the rest of his life.

"After Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation into Ivy's death at the request of the coroner, Bamford constructed a tissue of lies and obstructed our inquiries at every turn. At one point he claimed he never even owned a gun but as with almost everything he told us, this was completely untrue.

"We were also able to discredit his baseless theory that Ivy had committed suicide because she was depressed and the jury clearly did not believe his lies either.

"It has taken more than four years to convict Bamford of this murder. Officers made several trips to Zimbabwe to trace key witnesses, which was both complicated and difficult. But we never gave up and our relentless pursuit of the truth has finally resulted in this conviction. I would like to praise the team of officers who worked tirelessly on this case.

"From day one, Ivy's family has campaigned for her killer to be jailed and I hope today's conclusion gives them some comfort."

In a statement, Ivy's daughters Rebecca, Claire and Rachel said: "We have never been in any doubt that Bamford killed our mother, and that it was part of a calculated plan to get his hands on her money.

"There is no way she would have committed suicide. She loved us and there is no way she would have ever left us. She was a sparkly, bubbly, charismatic person who was the life and soul of any party.

"Bamford systematically destroyed our lives. He is an arrogant, drunken bully who was violent and aggressive, and robbed us of our mum who will never see her grandchildren grow up.

"But today’s verdict means everyone knows she did not kill herself and that Bamford is an evil, vile murderer and is now where he belongs. It won’t bring mum back, but today means all our fighting for justice has been worthwhile.

"We would like to thank everyone who has helped us. The coroner was fantastic in pushing for a criminal investigation and the officers from GMP’s Major Incident Team who went out to Zimbabwe back in 2005 have supported us every step the way.

"We would also like to thank all those who have offered their legal support and brought this case to trial and also our Family Liaison Officer Pam, who has been brilliant and helped through us every step of this traumatic ordeal.

"We can now move on with our lives and erase Bamford from our memories."