What's happened
Robert Rhodes, 52, was found guilty of murdering his wife Dawn in 2016 after a retrial prompted by new evidence from their child. He was also convicted of child cruelty, perjury, and perverting justice, and sentenced to life with a minimum of 29.5 years. Rhodes refused to attend sentencing, maintaining his innocence.
What's behind the headline?
The case highlights the impact of new evidence in overturning wrongful acquittals, especially involving vulnerable witnesses like children. The legal shift allowing retrials after acquittals in serious cases has enabled justice in this instance, but raises questions about the potential for abuse of such laws. Rhodes's refusal to attend sentencing underscores his continued denial and the emotional trauma inflicted on the child, who was manipulated into supporting his lies. The case exemplifies how domestic violence and coercive control can be concealed behind legal defenses, and the importance of child testimony in uncovering truth. The outcome will likely influence future legal proceedings involving complex family violence and the use of new evidence to revisit past acquittals, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting victims and witnesses.
What the papers say
Sky News reports that Rhodes refused to attend his sentencing, calling his actions 'wicked and callous,' and adding 'cowardice' to his list of characteristics. The Independent details Rhodes's meticulous planning, manipulation of his child, and the new evidence that led to his conviction, including internet searches for poisons and sedatives. Both sources emphasize the rarity of retrials under double jeopardy laws and the significance of the child's testimony in securing justice. The coverage contrasts Rhodes's initial claims of self-defence with the court's findings of premeditation and manipulation, illustrating how legal protections can be exploited and how new evidence can overturn previous verdicts.
How we got here
Rhodes murdered Dawn Rhodes in their family home following their marriage breakdown and her affair. Initially acquitted in 2017 based on self-defence claims, new evidence from their child in 2021 revealed Rhodes's manipulation and involvement in the crime. This led to a rare retrial under double jeopardy laws, resulting in his conviction in 2025.
Go deeper
More on these topics