Jilted fiance jailed for at least 27 years
A jilted fiance who carried out the "planned and premeditated" murder of his prospective mother-in-law has been jailed for at least 27 years.
A jilted fiance who carried out the "planned and premeditated" murder of his prospective mother-in-law has been jailed for at least 27 years.
Robert Edwards stabbed Sylvia Smith to death after her daughter Samantha called off their wedding.
Edwards, of Monins Avenue, Tipton, yesterday refused to enter the dock as he was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court. The 43-year-old was convicted by a jury on Tuesday.
Jurors heard that Edwards launched the attack at 59-year-old Mrs Smith's home in Mere Road, Erdington, on May 7.
Her body was found by her daughter on her return home from work that evening. She had 60 knife wounds, broken ribs and a damaged spine.
Jailing Edwards for life and ordering him to serve at least 27 years before being considered for parole, Mr Justice Michael Supperstone, said: "I am satisfied to the criminal standard of proof that on the morning of May 7 you took a knife with you to Mrs Smith's home, intending to commit an offence and that you used that knife in committing the murder."
He added: "What you did was planned and premeditated. You made a brutal and very sustained attack on a 59-year-old defenceless woman in her own home.
"Only you will know what led you to do this to a person who had displayed kindness and goodwill to you.
"The pain and suffering that you have caused her daughter and her family will plainly be long-lasting and with them for the remainder of their lives."
Detectives established that Edwards had taken a knife, as well as a change of clothes and footwear to the property.
Edwards and Miss Smith had been in a long-term relationship since 2000 and were due to marry in August. However, Samantha ended the relationship in April and moved back in with her mother.
Jurors heard the couple had been in a volatile and violent relationship and on several occasions after their break-up Edwards had threatened to commit suicide.
The court heard a bloody palm print of Edwards' was found on one of the walls in Mrs Smith's home and blood was found in the lorry that he was driving that day.
Witnesses had seen the same lorry on that day outside Mrs Smith's home.
