A woman killed her ex-partner while he was on the toilet after years of abuse and kept his body hidden for nearly a year, a court has heard. The remains of Robert Kellett, a 62-year-old engineer working in the Midlands, were discovered in a bathroom covered by tarpaulin on September 12, 2025—11 months after he was reported missing. His body was in an advanced state of decomposition when found at the home he once shared with former partner Cheryl Downs in Terry Road, High Wycombe.
Trial at Aylesbury Crown Court
Downs, 66, is on trial at Aylesbury Crown Court charged with murder. On Wednesday, June 10, jurors heard that Downs has admitted killing Mr. Kellett but is expected to argue she acted in self-defense or had diminished responsibility due to her mental state. She has also pleaded guilty to charges of preventing a lawful and decent burial and attempted fraud in relation to her conduct after his death.
Prosecutor Caroline Carberry KC described the relationship as long-standing but deeply troubled, characterized by Downs' volatile personality, financial pressure, lies, and conflict. “Her killing of Robert Kellett was the culmination of years of controlling and abusive behaviour by her towards him,” Carberry said. “It came at a time when Mr. Kellett had moved out of the house they owned, away from the area, and was attempting to start a life independent of the defendant.”
Details of the Killing
Mr. Kellett died from fatal head trauma, including multiple skull fractures caused by repeated blows with a heavy implement, over the weekend of October 5-6, 2024. Although he no longer lived at the address, he had returned for the weekend to continue financially supporting Downs. “Mr. Kellett was in the bathroom, most likely on the toilet, when he was initially attacked and then incapacitated and helpless on the floor as the attack continued,” said Ms. Carberry.
Psychologists have identified narcissistic and psychopathic personality traits in Downs, and Mr. Kellett reportedly feared for his safety during their relationship.
Discovery of the Body
After Mr. Kellett’s death, his boss reported him missing. Police visited the Terry Road address but were refused entry by Downs, who claimed she had not seen him. By then, she had moved his car, and police did not investigate further. The body was eventually discovered 11 months later by a teenage lodger moving into the house. “It seems the defendant wanted Robert Kellett’s body to be found and she was prepared to use her young lodger for this to happen,” said Ms. Carberry. The lodger and her boyfriend investigated a terrible smell and made the grim discovery in September 2025.
History of Abuse
Mr. Kellett had contacted police about Downs’ behavior multiple times from 2010 onward, with the most recent report five days before his death. Downs was arrested several times for assaulting Mr. Kellett, but he never pressed charges. The prosecution said her physical abuse and intimidation worsened when she drank, and she manipulated him and controlled his finances. The day after the killing, she used his card to buy wine and cigarettes.
Neighbors had also reported Downs to police for verbal abuse and screaming at Mr. Kellett. One couple sold their home to get away from her. The trial continues.
