London: killer who stabbed two women sentenced to at least 41 years | UK news

A man who stabbed a mother-of-two to death and tried to kill another woman 24 hours later has been jailed for at least 41 years.

James Sinclair was jailed after being found guilty of the murder of Shadika Patel and the attempted murder of the 48-year-old woman in two unprovoked attacks in March 2020.

A 31-year-old man stabbed Ms Patel seven times as she waited for a bus in East Ham. Londonwhile she was on her way to deliver food parcels to her teenage sons ahead CORONAVIRUS INFECTION COVID quarantine

During the 20-second attack, the 40-year-old woman was stabbed in the face, head and shoulders and left on the pavement.

A passer-by heard her screams and called the police.

Ms Patel was taken to Newham Hospital but later died from her injuries.

The next day in Islington, Sinclair struck again, stabbing a woman in the face and body.

The victim, whose name has not been released by police, suffered a punctured lung and required hospitalization but survived.

Sinclair was arrested a week later.

He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder at the Old Bailey on Tuesday and appeared in court again on Friday for sentencing.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 41 years for murder, concurrent life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years for attempted murder, Metropolitan police said.

Tackling violence against women is an “absolute priority” for the Met

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector John Marriott said: “James Sinclair’s actions have devastated the lives of Shadika’s friends and family and left her two teenage sons motherless.

“It is unclear why he decided to attack two lone women at night. Incidents like this are rare and my team of detectives have been working at pace to identify Sinclair before he can attack anyone else.’

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He added that tackling violence against women and girls is the Met’s “absolute priority” and that this “horrific crime has no place in our society”.

“Women should not have to change their behavior and they should be able to go about their business feeling safe at any time of the day or night. It’s our job to make that happen, but officers can’t be in all places at all times,” he said. said.

“I would like to encourage our community, especially women, to report any suspicious or unwanted behavior and seek help if you feel threatened.”