ESSEX MAN JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER MURDERING WIFE AND STEPSON

Calogero Ricotta, aged 64 and originally from Sicily, has been found guilty of murdering his wife, aged 54, along with her 29-year-old son in their family residence in Ugley, Essex. The violent incident took place on May 28 last year, shortly after his wife had returned from visiting a relative. Ricotta carried out the attack by stabbing His wife 14 times and inflicting a total of 44 cuts. When her son intervened to protect his mother, Ricotta also fatally stabbed him, resulting in four additional knife wounds. During the trial, Ricotta, who required an Italian interpreter, was convicted of these homicides and of causing actual bodily harm to another individual. The judge, Mrs Justice Dame Mary Stacey, described Ricotta as a man who exhibited controlling and coercive behaviour and who attempted to intimidate his wife into remaining in a marriage she no longer wanted. She noted that Ricotta exploited his wife’s fatigue and vulnerability, aware that she was seeking a divorce, and that he had planned the murders to prevent her from leaving him. Evidence presented in court portrayed Ricotta as calculating, controlling, and violent, with his wife confiding in friends about her fears of her husband's abuse. Before the killings, Ricotta issued threats such as, 'Dead or alive, you're not leaving this marriage,' and on the day of the attack, he was waiting for her at home. After a three-hour jury deliberation, Ricotta was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 34 years. Prosecutors argued that his hatred of his wifes desire to divorce him was the primary motive behind the murders. His actions have been described as cowardly and brutal, with the court highlighting his manipulative and coercive behaviour. The case has raised awareness about domestic violence and femicide, especially considering Ricotta’s prior threats and efforts to conceal his violent tendencies. The sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the court’s recognition of his controlling, calculated behaviour.