Key Takeaways
- Robert Rhodes, 52, has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Dawn, nine years after her death
- Rhodes was previously acquitted of the crime in 2017, but new evidence from their child led to a retrial under double jeopardy rules
- He was also found guilty of child cruelty, perverting the course of justice, and committing perjury
- The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, played a crucial role in the retrial, providing testimony that helped to secure the conviction
- Rhodes will be sentenced at Inner London crown court on 16 January
Introduction to the Case
The case of Robert Rhodes, a 52-year-old man from Withleigh, Devon, is a shocking example of how the criminal justice system can work to bring justice to victims and their families. Rhodes was previously acquitted of killing his wife, Dawn, in 2017, but new evidence from their child led to a retrial under double jeopardy rules. The retrial jury heard how Rhodes had manipulated a child under 10 into helping him shield his crime, and how he had continued to groom and manipulate the child even after his initial acquittal.
The Original Acquittal and New Evidence
Rhodes was originally acquitted of Dawn’s murder in 2017, after the jury believed his account that she had tried to attack him first and he was acting in self-defence. However, in November 2021, the child told their therapist that their father had planned Dawn’s murder and had manipulated them into being involved in it. This new evidence led to Rhodes’s acquittal being quashed in November 2024, and permission was granted for a retrial. During the retrial, the court heard how the marriage had been in difficulty prior to Dawn’s death, and how Rhodes had filed for divorce.
The Retrial and Guilty Verdict
The retrial jury heard how Rhodes had continued to manipulate and groom the child, including hiding a phone at his own mother’s house on which he would leave messages for the child reminding them about the agreement they had made. The child also told police that during supervised contact with Rhodes in 2016 and 2017, he continued to give them instructions to stick to the plan and told them that they had "got some things wrong". The jury ultimately found Rhodes guilty of murdering his wife, as well as child cruelty, perverting the course of justice, and committing perjury. The guilty verdict was unanimous, and Rhodes will be sentenced at Inner London crown court on 16 January.
The Victim and the Impact of the Crime
Dawn Rhodes was described by her mother, Liz Spencer, as a "loving daughter, sister and mother". She was a caring and capable person who would do anything for anyone, and was loved by both friends and family. The impact of her death on her family and loved ones cannot be overstated, and the guilty verdict brings some measure of closure and justice to those who have been affected by her murder. Clarrie O’Callaghan, co-founder of the Femicide Census, said that the conviction was "an amazing result", and that it showed that the criminal justice system can work to bring justice to victims of crime.
The Significance of the Conviction
The conviction of Robert Rhodes is significant not only because it brings justice to the victim and her family, but also because it highlights the importance of the double jeopardy rules. The rules, which allow for a retrial in certain circumstances, were used in this case to bring Rhodes to justice after new evidence came to light. The conviction also highlights the importance of listening to and believing children who may have been manipulated or coerced into covering up a crime. The child in this case played a crucial role in securing the conviction, and their bravery and courage in coming forward with the truth is to be commended.
Conclusion
The case of Robert Rhodes is a shocking example of how the criminal justice system can work to bring justice to victims and their families. The guilty verdict brings some measure of closure and justice to those who have been affected by Dawn’s murder, and highlights the importance of the double jeopardy rules and the importance of listening to and believing children who may have been manipulated or coerced into covering up a crime. The conviction is a testament to the tenacity and dedication of the police and CPS, and shows that the system can work to bring justice to victims of crime.