A man who killed his wife has been sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison.

Wilfred Jacob, 43, was given a life sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday for the murder of his wife Linda Vilika.

Judge Patricia Lynch said not only did Jacob kill his wife but he attempted to besmirch her character further during the trial.

She said: “Evidence shows she was a lady of impeccable character.

“Not only did you kill your wife that day but you have besmirched her character by saying she attacked you first.

“Having considered all the matters I sentence you to life with a minimum of 18 years served.”

Jacob was arrested and charged by police following Ms Vilika’s death at the couple’s home address in The Street, Great Saling, on August 19, 2019.

Braintree and Witham Times: Victim - Linda VilikaVictim - Linda Vilika

He had rung 999 claiming Ms Vilika was lying on the floor unresponsive and she had allegedly attacked him with a knife.

A post-mortem examination found Ms Vilika, who was 41, died after suffering stab wounds to her back and chest.

Police said jealous Jacob attacked his wife in a premeditated step.

Jacob accepted he had caused his wife’s death but insisted his actions were the result of suffering an epileptic fit called an aura. He claimed he had no recollection of the incident or what he did.

But these suggestions were dismissed by the prosecution, who stated there was no scientific evidence to prove Jacob had suffered an epileptic episode.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This was a horrific, brutal attack on a woman who was trying to free herself of a jealous and controlling husband.

“In a premeditated step, Wilfred Jacob made sure he’d be alone with Linda for a prolonged period of time and when she told him their marriage was over attacked her with such aggression and force the knife broke.

“Jacob is a dangerous individual who now faces a life sentence. Essex is a safer place for it.”