Following the sentencing, Det Ins Nigel Parr said: “The night Ryan died, Wood used her vehicle as a weapon, while under the influence of alcohol, deliberately driving at him and even continuing to drive after knocking him down.
“She knew what she had done, but she refused to take accountability for her actions, forcing Ryan’s family to sit through a trial and watch footage of his final moments.
“Throughout the trial Wood proclaimed her innocence, but thankfully the jury saw through her lies, and she was found guilty of Ryan’s murder.
“While nothing is going to bring Ryan back, I hope the sentence handed to Wood will bring some sense of closure for his family, knowing that justice has been served.
“Our thoughts remain with Ryan’s family and friends at this time.”
In a statement, Ryan’s family said: “We are very grateful today for the sentence handed to Alice by His Honour Judge Leeming for the murder of our son Ryan.
“It gives us some comfort to know that she is where she belongs. Unfortunately, it doesn’t bring Ryan home to us. He will be forever missed by all our family and his friends.
“He was the light of our lives. It’s such a tragedy what happened to him, his life was cut short. We thank everyone involved who have helped to achieve justice for Ryan.”
Wood claimed her partner died in a “tragic accident” when he was hit by the Ford Fiesta she was driving near their home in Rode Heath, Cheshire, at about 11.30pm on May 6 2022.
But the jury rejected her account last month and unanimously found her guilty of murder.
The trial heard the couple had spent the evening at a party in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, with staff and service users of Headway.
Andrew Ford KC, prosecuting, said that Mr Watson was seen on CCTV footage “having a good time, being a gregarious and outgoing party guest” while Wood was described by one woman attending as “a bit cold”.
