Millionaire Barry Pring 'murdered' by Ukrainian wife, inquest told
- Published
Barry Pring and Ganna Ziuzina were married in 2007
The family of a millionaire businessman "are sure" he was killed for his money by his Ukrainian wife, an inquest has heard.
Barry Pring, 47, was killed by a speeding car as he tried to hail a taxi on the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway in Kiev in 2008.
His wife, Ganna Ziuzina, had returned to a restaurant for a missing glove.
The coroner at Exeter County Hall, Dr Elizabeth Earland, recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.
More on the millionaire 'murdered' by his wife, and other news
She said: "His guard was lowered by inebriation. The car had stolen licence plates and did not brake or stop.
"I am satisfied that having heard all the evidence... much of it circumstantial, nevertheless, in my view it is overwhelming.
"I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Barry John Pring has been unlawfully killed."
She said the case demonstrated the difficulty in investigating a case of a death abroad, adding: "Our thoughts and condolences must go to the family who have endured years and years of distress and unhappiness."
Mr Pring died shortly after his first wedding anniversary in 2008 when the pair had been to Kozachyok restaurant in Myla for a meal
Close friend Peter Clifford, a lawyer, told the inquest he had "no reasonable doubt" that Barry was murdered.
Ms Ziuzina, known as Anna, was 19 years younger than her husband. She tried to claim his assets within days of his death.
His family believe he was killed in a staged hit and run accident.
The couple met online in 2006 and were married in 2007 following a four-day engagement.
Mr Pring's mother, Irene Pring, said Ms Ziuzina claimed to be a teacher when the pair first met, but she was in fact a lap dancer and stripper.
She said: "We are sure Anna had some involvement in his death to inherit his money and property.
"I was quite surprised how cold she was with Barry. She did not lift a finger, she was a lazy thing."
A post mortem said Mr Pring died from multiple injuries
The inquest heard Ms Ziuzina sold her husband's Range Rover, contents from his flat and moved funds from his bank account.
The hearing was also told she was "entitled to the first £200,000 of his estate" and that computer records revealed "she was having an affair with a Ukrainian man".
Greater Devon coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland said "strenuous attempts" had been made to get her to attend the inquest, but without success.
In a statement, Ms Ziuzina said she had made "three separate statements to Ukrainian police" and did not believe she could "add anything further".
Friend Peter Clifford said Mr Pring had shared a concern that Ms Ziuzina was "gold digger" and that he was under her influence
Det Con Jonathan Watts, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said Mr Pring was hit by a car with no lights, speeding at 75mph.
He also said witnesses at the scene in Kiev described the killing "as a deliberate act".
The Ukrainian police closed an inquiry into his death, but relaunched it in 2011 as a murder inquiry. The case is still active "but not actively pursued".