SUHAIL AZAM SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDERING HIS WIFE IN WOLVERHAMPTON

A father of three who murdered his estranged wife in Wolverhampton has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Suhail Azam, 54, from Whitmore Reans, was yesterday given a minimum term of 17 years behind bars for the killing of his 35-year-old wife, Kanwal Azam. Azam, from Newhampton Road East, pleaded guilty last month at Stafford Crown Court to her murder. Kanwal's body was discovered in her home on Ingelby Gardens.

Police responded to her home on March 29 after receiving a call from a concerned friend who reported hearing Kanwal's voice, including screams, during a phone call that then disconnected. Upon arrival, officers found her stabbed multiple times and already deceased. Detective Inspector Justin Spanner of West Midlands Police explained: "We responded to the call immediately but unfortunately, when we arrived at Kanwal's home, she had been stabbed numerous times and was already dead."

The detective added that Suhail was identified as the suspect due to the phone call made shortly before her death. He was subsequently arrested in the back garden of his residence on suspicion of murder. Investigations revealed that Kanwal had recently initiated divorce proceedings against Suhail. On the day of the incident, Suhail visited her to discuss access to their three children, aged between three and ten. During the visit, he arranged for the younger children to stay elsewhere while the eldest was out playing. An altercation occurred, during which Suhail fatally stabbed Kanwal.

Detective Inspector Spanner commented: "It is our belief that Suhail went to the address with the explicit intention to kill his estranged wife after receiving a solicitor's letter regarding access to the children. Fortunately, he ensured the children were not present during the attack, but they have been understandably devastated."

He further stated that the children face a long recovery process but can begin to heal knowing their father will be imprisoned for a significant period. The police expressed their satisfaction with the sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offence. They also extended their support and condolences to Kanwal’s family in Pakistan, her friends, and her children, who are being cared for by specially trained officers.

Suhail Azam was sentenced yesterday at Stoke Crown Court.