Robert Alexander jailed for life for killing wife Christina 77 times in Tamworth

Robert Alexander, 66, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years for the murder of his wife Christina in their Tamworth home.

Tamworth man convicted of wife's murder after 14-day trial

Dublin Live reports that Robert Alexander, 66, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years for the murder of his wife, Christina, at the couple's home in Dosthill, Tamworth, in June last year.

Stafford Crown Court heard that Alexander first strangled the 60-year-old nurse, then struck her with a dog food can before stabbing her 77 times. Christina sustained "catastrophic" injuries to her face, neck, body, arms and legs in the hallway and kitchen of the family home.

After the attack, Alexander told police: "I've disposed of my wife." He later claimed in court that he had no memory of the events following a blow to his stomach and that he had "lost the plot."

A jury unanimously convicted Alexander of murder after a 14-day trial earlier this year.

Passing sentence on Tuesday, Judge Avik Mukherjee told Alexander that the evidence demonstrated he had been aware Christina was planning to leave him. "I am sure that you intended to kill Christina due to the extent of the injuries that you inflicted upon her and also the ways in which you attacked her," the judge said.

Judge Mukherjee, who noted that Alexander stared at the floor and wore a grey T-shirt throughout much of the hearing, described personal impact statements from Christina's siblings and friends as "extremely moving." He said the victim had been described as "most precious" by those closest to her.

"The taking of a life is a terrible thing — not only because of the life which is cut short but because of all the other lives that are damaged as well," the judge told the court.

The judge ruled that the murder had taken place against a background of controlling and coercive behaviour, particularly in relation to finances. He described the assault on Christina as "repeated and sustained," adding: "Such was the ferocity and force of the attack that she succumbed to very serious injuries within a short period."

Alexander, of Ascot Drive, Dosthill, was told there was "no guarantee that you will be released" at the end of the minimum term or at any point thereafter.

Source: Dublin Live