A man who stabbed a mother of two to death and tried to kill another woman 24 hours later has been sentenced to at least 41 years in prison.
James Sinclair was jailed after being found guilty of murdering Shadika Patel and attempting to kill the 48-year-old woman in two unprovoked attacks in March 2020.
The 31-year-old stabbed Ms Patel seven times as she waited for a bus in East Ham, London, on her way to deliver food parcels to her teenage sons ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown.
In an attack that lasted 20 seconds, a 40-year-old woman was stabbed in the face, head and shoulders and was left on the road.
A passer-by heard her screaming and called the police.
Ms Patel was taken to Newham General Hospital but later died from her injuries.
The next day in Islington, Sinclair attacked again, stabbing the woman in the face and body.
The victim, whose name has not been released by police, suffered a punctured lung and required hospital treatment, but managed to survive the ordeal.
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 to be sentenced.
He was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum sentence of 41 years for murder, with a concurrent life sentence, with a minimum sentence of 18 years, for attempted murder, the Metropolitan Police said.
The fight against violence against women is an ‘absolute priority’ for the Met
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Chief Inspector John Marriott said: “James Sinclair’s actions have destroyed the lives of Shadika’s friends and family and left her two teenage sons motherless.
“Why he chose to attack two lone women at night is beyond me. Incidents like this are rare and my team of detectives worked frantically to identify Sinclair before he could attack anyone else.”
Read more: Man accused of murdering Zara Aleena ‘Violent’ man jailed for ‘horrific campaign of abuse’ Women urged to ‘be vigilant’ as murder probe launched
He added that the fight against violence against women and girls is the Met’s “absolute priority” and that these “horrible crimes have no place in our society.”
“Women shouldn’t have to change their behavior and should be able to do their job, feeling safe, at any time of the day or night. It’s our job to make sure that happens – but officers can’t be in all places at all times.” he said he said
“I would urge our community, especially women, to report any suspicious or unwanted behavior and seek help if you feel threatened.”
Comments are closed.