Husband Jailed For 19 Years For Attempted Murder Of Wife

Thursday, 14 April 2016 09:19

A husband who tried to kill his wife with a ceremonial sword but claimed she was injured by a burglar has been jailed for 19 years.

Harjit Singh was convicted of attempted murder at the family home in Edward Street, West Bromwich, after a West Midlands Police investigation.

The 46 year-old struck his victim - whom he previously argued with about money - over the head with the sword and then tried to strangle her on 22 October last year.

She was left with a fractured skull, cuts and damaged windpipe in the attack but scared of controlling Singh - and amid his claims she would be deported if he were jailed - she initially went along with his burglary story.

However, officers specially trained in spotting and helping victims of domestic abuse and coercive control uncovered the truth and arrested Singh on suspicion of attempted murder.

Singh, a temple worker, was found guilty after a trial and jailed for 19 years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Jason McMahon, from West Midlands Police public protection unit, said: "This was a violent attack which left the victim seriously injured…although she has recovered physically the mental scars of what happened still remain.

"She initially stuck to the story there had been a burglary because she feared she would be deported if she told the truth.

"Singh came across as a well-respected member of the community but he had a controlling influence over her.

"Despite being scared she was brave enough to tell us what happened and Singh will now be behind bars for a long time."

The force works to tackle domestic abuse through Operation Sentinel and new laws to help those caught in controlling relationships came into force at the end of last year.

Legislation also made coercive control - covering psychological and emotional aspects of abuse - an offence. To report such a crime call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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