WYCOMBE NIGHTCLUB BOUNCER JAILED FOR LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER
Anthony Mullett, 46 years old, was given a life sentence after being found guilty of the brutal murder of Danielle Van Der Zyden, aged 28, in his flat on West End Street.The court heard that Mullett had stabbed Miss Van Der Zyden between 17 and 20 times across her neck, chest, and upper body during a frenzied attack on March 3.
Her body was discovered the following day by a police officer.
Prosecutor Alan Blake described how the force of the assault was so severe that the knife's handle broke during the attack, with the blade left embedded in her neck.
It was revealed that both Mullett and Miss Van Der Zyden had a history of drug use, including alcohol and crack cocaine, consumed shortly before the murder.
After the incident, Mullett left a voicemail indicating he thought he might have inflicted harm and possibly caused her death.
He subsequently traveled to Slough, checked into a Travelodge, and eventually surrendered himself at Slough Police Station, with blood-stained clothing found in his possession.
He confessed that he could not recall the details of the attack, a statement supported by medical examinations.
The defense argued that Mullett thought he saw Miss Van Der Zyden holding a knife over him before she was killed, referencing their history involving rough sex with blades and belts, as well as earlier talk of self-harm with knives.
The victim had a troubled background, including prostitution and drug dependency, but her family believed she was improving before her death.
She had been introduced to Mullett several years earlier when he was a client, and she had moved into his residence about 15 months before the killing, despite his perceived dominance.
Witnesses described personality changes in Mullett linked to drug dependence and depression.
The court recognized his remorse, noting his guilty plea and a letter written to her family.
Judge John Reddihough sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 14 and a half years to serve, minus the 213 days already served.
The court highlighted the impact of drugs as a contributing factor to the violence, stating, “This drug can lead to terrible consequences,” and emphasized that her memory would stay with him.
As the sentence was passed, Danielle Van Der Zyden’s family appeared emotional, and Mullett was escorted away following the hearing.
