Syed Rafay Ahmad, 45, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years and four months after stabbing his wife, 36-year-old Anam Rafay, 40 times at their home in Wythenshawe on 27 January. He initially denied murder but changed his plea partway through the trial and admitted guilt in the third week. Neighbours intervened after Anam collapsed outside a neighbour's door, and Ahmad reportedly messaged family claiming he had killed her and watched from an upstairs window before his arrest. Police described the attack as "horrific and cold-blooded," and investigators highlighted the long-term damage caused by domestic abuse.
Man Jailed For Life After Stabbing Wife 40 Times Following Her Decision To Leave
Syed Ahmad's attack on his wife was described by police as "horrific and cold-blooded" [GMP]
A controlling and abusive husband has been sentenced to life imprisonment after stabbing his wife 40 times when she told him she wanted a divorce.
Forty-five-year-old Syed Rafay Ahmad attacked 36-year-old Anam Rafay with a kitchen knife at their home on Lulworth Gardens in Wythenshawe, Manchester, on the morning of 27 January. After the assault, Ahmad sent a message to his family's WhatsApp group and to Anam's father saying, "I have killed my wife."
Ahmad initially denied murder but changed his plea partway through the trial and admitted his guilt during the third week of proceedings. At Manchester Crown Court he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years and four months.
The court heard Anam was filling a water bottle at the kitchen sink when the attack began. She managed to flee to a next-door neighbour's house for help but collapsed outside the front door. Ahmad followed her and continued the assault before returning calmly to his own home, the jury was told. Neighbours who rushed to her aid said Ahmad appeared to be smirking as he left his wife dying on the floor and later watched from an upstairs window until officers arrived and arrested him.
The couple had entered an arranged marriage when Anam was 16 and Ahmad was 26. Throughout the marriage jurors were told Ahmad had been controlling and abusive. The court heard Anam had decided to leave the relationship after developing a relationship with a man she met on social media.
Detective Inspector Neil Higginson, Greater Manchester Police: "This was a horrific and cold-blooded attack that has caused irreparable damage to a family. Domestic abuse and violence have devastating, permanent consequences. We remain committed to bringing offenders before the courts and ensuring victims receive the protection and support they deserve."
Ahmad had at one point claimed he was experiencing a psychotic episode when the attack took place, but that defence was not maintained. The sentence handed down ensures he will serve a lengthy custodial term for a violent and premeditated assault.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, contact local support services or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for confidential advice and help.
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