SOUTHAMPTON MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING WIFE IN FRONT OF CHILDREN
A man named Gavin Amy, aged 30, was convicted of strangling his wife, Emma Amy, 26, with a computer cable at their flat in Wimpson Lane, Southampton.The attack occurred in front of their nine-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter.
The court heard that Gavin had been discharged from a psychiatric unit against medical advice just days before the incident in January 2008.
He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to serve a minimum of twelve and a half years.
The court learned that Gavin had attacked his wife after discovering she planned to meet another man, having previously spent time in a psychiatric hospital after an attack on his wife ten days earlier and an attempt to commit suicide.
During the attack, their son attempted to help his mother but was told to go to his room as Gavin strangled her.
Neighbours heard screams and called the police.
The children were removed from the flat following the incident.
Detective Sergeant Toby Elcock described it as a family tragedy and expressed sympathy for the children.
Emma's mother, Nina Brinkworth, stated that she was relieved Gavin had spared them the ordeal of a court case and acknowledged that he had taken responsibility for his actions, emphasizing the importance of the children being surrounded by love.
Gavin was sentenced after pleading guilty to murder, with his time in psychiatric care and the circumstances surrounding the attack highlighted during the court proceedings.
