Wife murderer sentenced to life

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A husband found guilty of killing his wife even though her body has never been found has been jailed for life.

Kafil Ahmed, 32, was found guilty after the jury heard blood stains at the home he shared with his 21-year-old wife suggested a "savage attack" took place.

He was told on Tuesday he must serve at last 20 years for murdering Laily Begum at their home in Simmonds Place, Darlaston, West Midlands, in 2006.

Ahmed had mistakenly believed his wife was having an affair, the court heard.

'Extreme pain'

The jury at Birmingham Crown Court, who found him guilty on Monday, had heard how restaurant-worker Ahmed, who has a four-year-old daughter by his wife, used a knife to kill her in January 2006.

I ask myself why you have concealed where she was laid...I can only conclude it's because of the dreadful injuries you inflicted upon her Judge Frank Chapman

He originally pleaded guilty to her murder but changed his mind later.

Passing a life sentence Judge Frank Chapman said Ahmed had mistaken his wife's generosity and kindness to others as unfaithfulness.

He said: "The fact she has not been found is a deliberate act on your part.

"You seem not to care about the extreme pain this causes to her family."

Bangladesh-born Ahmed, in the UK illegally for 11 years, was arrested in Norwich on 25 January after the couple were reported missing from their home.

Savage attack

He told the jury his wife accidentally stabbed herself after attacking him

But the jury also heard that blood-staining at the family home suggested Laily had been the victim of a savage attack.

Anthony Barker QC, prosecuting, told the jury that Laily was killed after ringing her brother-in-law on 19 January and telling him of her husband's suspicions.

After the killing Ahmed "lied and lied" to escape justice.

Judge Chapman told him: "You were prepared to blame anyone if it was to your advantage.

"I ask myself why you have concealed where she was laid.

"I can only conclude it's because of the dreadful injuries you inflicted upon her."

The judge said Ahmed had no reason to kill his wife, who was a supportive and loving mother.

A deportation notice was served on Ahmed at Birmingham's Winson Green jail in February last year.

The issue will now be decided by the Home Office once he has served his term.