UK man jailed for life after he stabbed his Indian-origin wife to death

A man in UK has been sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing to death his Indian-origin wife following a row on Christmas day last year. Laurens Brand, 47, who was charged with murder, used two kitchen knives to repeatedly stab his 41-year-old wife Angela Mittal in 2018.

He was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 16 years and eight months' imprisonment at a sentencing hearing at Reing Crown Court on Friday. Angela h suffered 59 stab wounds to her neck and chest and died at scene at ir home in Shinfield, Berkshire.

Sentencing Brand, Judge Hear rton said: "You stabbed your wife in bedroom of family home. Your attack on her was ferocious. You stabbed your wife fewer than 59 times."

"At some point in course of that attack, one knife broke. You left room, you went to kitchen, you fetched ar knife and n returned," judge said.

court heard that forensic evidence suggests that victim was alive and struggling to defend herself through much of that attack. judge ted that she would undoubtedly have suffered fear and pain.

"This was a brutal assault carried out by Laurens Brand on his wife, Angela Mittal, during which she suffered 59 separate injuries," said Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit.

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"Brand subjected Angela to this vicious attack in her own home, a place where she should have felt safe and secure. Inste of helping Angela, he tried to clean up before calling (emergency) 999. When he did call, he didn''t ask for an ambulance, he asked directly for police alrey in kwledge it was too late for Angela," he said.

court heard how Brand h physically and emotionally abused his "formerly bubbly and outgoing wife". police expressed ir sympathy with victim's family during an "extremely difficult" time.

"I'd also like to commend m on cour y have shown, especially today when having to explain what loss of Angela means to m. It is never easy time to lose anyone, but in such violent circumstances, in her own home, it is unimaginable," said Mike Roddy.

Her family, including far Bharat and mor Kamla Mittal, paid tribute to Angela, describing her as a popular young ly kwn for her "sweet and enduring wit".

y said in a statement: "Her life was tragically cut short due to a senseless crime."

"Angela truly lived life to fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends, spending time and enriching life of her family and always seeing brighter side to life. She h this beautiful talent to bring people toger from all walks of life and touch m in a deep and positive way".

y said that Angela was kwn for her creativity, kindness and big heart and friendships, generosity and enthusiasm she displayed throughout her life is an "inspiration".

"Angela will be missed beyond words, her love, warmth and beauty will remain alive in her family and friends hearts," family statement said.