Jailed lover stabbed his ex-partner 52 times

Published on 05/05/2012 01:28

A FORMER deacon has been jailed for life for knifing his girlfriend 52 times in a jealous rage. The “savage and sustained” attack left Sashana Roberts, 24, dead in front of her two young children.

Ezekiel Foster, 43, was found guilty of murder and was told he would have to serve at least 19 years. Foster had a history of domestic violence towards women and flew into a rage when Miss Roberts came home late after going dancing.

Miss Roberts’ body was found in the bathroom of the blood-covered flat.

Foster had disapproved and had not liked the way fun-loving Miss Roberts dressed, said Judge Brian Barker, the Common Serjeant of London. Judge Barker added: “The background is one of selfish and manipulative behaviour. This was an explosion of violent temper.”

He said the killing would “both outrage and horrify the collective conscience of the community”.

The Old Bailey heard Foster had claimed he was hearing voices when he went on the run after the attack at Miss Roberts’ home in Cricklewood, London, in September, last year. But a doctor told the court it was Foster’s way of dealing with his guilt.

Before leaving court, Foster turned to Miss Roberts’ family in the public gallery and apologised for the killing. But they refused to accept his remorse calling him “wicked” and “evil”.

The court heard that Foster attacked the mother in front of her three-year-old son and 11-month-old daughter because she was about to end their relationship.

Foster, of Brent, north London, was previously a deacon at a church in the Harlesden area, and more recently had done building work and roofing. He had been convicted for violence against women and had been abusive to two previous partners.