LONDON WOMAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR STABBING HUSBAND DURING TURBULENT MARRIAGE
RITA and Derek Salmon were devoted teenage sweethearts.But last year, the final memories of that young love were shattered forever when a jealous Rita stabbed her husband to death after discovering he was having an affair.
During the murder trial at Inner London Crown Court, the jury was given intimate details about the couple's turbulent 35-year marriage.
It was a marriage involving violence and threats on both sides, with Mrs Salmon claiming her husband once put his hands around her throat and said he wanted her dead.
The court heard that their marriage was far from happy, involving physical fights on numerous occasions.
The situation worsened in March last year when Salmon found out about her husband's affair.
This caused her great distress and anger, leading her to attempt suicide twice within a few days.
She tried to overdose on tablets and was hospitalized but later discharged herself against medical advice.
She also visited her husband's mistress's home, slashed the tires of his car, and poured brake fluid on the bonnet.
Another suicide attempt occurred during a holiday in Turkey after learning her husband wanted to sell their house.
She admitted to not remembering killing her husband and did not plan to.
Salmon was sentenced to life imprisonment, leaving their two children without either parent.
Their daughter Tara Salmon, aged 30, testified about her mother's involvement in her father's death, breaking down multiple times in court.
Her brother Neil's involvement led to jury discharges, and a judge ordered a new jury after Neil shouted offensive remarks from the gallery.
The case highlights a tragic end to a marriage marked by violence, mental health struggles, and ultimately, murder.
