A woman confessed to being involved in an extramarital relationship and has faced charges in court for allegedly conspiring to murder her spouse with the help of her former Royal Marine partner. Michelle Mills, 46, stated she never discussed her husband Christopher’s life insurance policy. The court was informed that Mills and her lover Geraint Berry, 46, who both deny the conspiracy to commit murder, planned to kill her husband shortly after his Help For Heroes £124,000 policy became active.
During her testimony at Swansea Crown Court, Mills revealed that she managed the couple’s bank accounts and had depleted her savings to settle her husband’s debts. She claimed that they both agreed she would handle the financial matters, and her husband was content with the arrangement. Mills, represented by Caroline Rees KC, confirmed she was unaware of her husband’s life insurance policy as it was never a topic of discussion.
The court heard that Berry and another ex-soldier, Steven Thomas, 47, also denying the conspiracy charges, carried out an armed invasion of the couple’s caravan in Cenarth, Carmarthenshire, last September. Mills described her husband, who served in the RAF as an aerial erector for four years, as making her feel intimidated and dehumanized in their relationship. She mentioned planning to divorce him while engaging in a romantic relationship with Berry.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Mills and Berry exchanged 2,301 messages discussing various topics, including sexual content and potential methods to harm her husband. Despite the conversations, Mills denied any intentions to harm her husband, labeling the discussions as mere fantasies. She claimed she believed Berry’s messages about visiting her were not serious and meant to reassure her.
Following the attack on the caravan, Mills messaged Berry, instructing him to flee and delete all communication on their phones. She explained she did this hoping he would respond, denying any involvement. Mills later texted Berry asking if anyone was injured before stating that her husband did not recognize the intruders and she would not disclose any information.
Mills expressed shock at the armed invasion, highlighting how Berry and Thomas wore masks and carried imitation firearms during the incident. The two surrendered after hiding in bushes, where authorities discovered gas masks, cable ties, pliers, cloths, and a telescopic gun sight in their possessions. Additionally, a counterfeit “suicide note” supposedly authored by Mr. Mills and addressed to his wife, known as “Babs,” was found.
Geraint Berry, residing in Clydach, Swansea Valley, Steven Thomas from Blaengwinfi, Afan Valley, and Ethel Michelle Mills of Llanelli, have all pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy to commit murder charges. Mrs. Mills has also denied allegations of attempting to obstruct justice by deleting phone messages and providing misleading information to law enforcement.
The trial, expected to span three weeks, remains ongoing.