Man jailed for murdering wife with metal bar

A 27-year-old man was jailed for life today after being found guilty of murdering his wife at their home, police said.

Imran Iqbal, who was ordered to serve at least 16 years before being considered for parole, had admitted manslaughter and claimed he was provoked into killing Yasmin Akhtar in November last year.

But a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court took just three hours to unanimously convict Iqbal of murder after hearing how his wife was beaten to death with a metal bar.

The court was told his 24-year-old wife was killed at their home in Purlin Wharf, Netherton, Dudley, in the early hours of November 30.

Speaking after sentence was passed, Inspector Richard Jones, of West Midlands Police, said he hoped the outcome of the case would provide some comfort to Yasmin's family and friends.

The officer said: "The court has heard how Yasmin suffered some months of domestic problems prior to her death and ultimately was never able to leave her unhappy marriage to pursue another life as she had hoped.

"Both West Midlands Police and partners from other agencies offered support and measures to try and protect Yasmin from the situation she was in, but unfortunately that did not prevent her untimely and tragic death.

"Iqbal's act has left three young children without a mother and as a result they will also be without a father as he faces a lengthy jail term."

In a statement issued by West Midlands Police, Yasmin's family said: "What we have heard during this trial about Yasmin and her life has been distressing and upsetting, and we struggle to believe some of the things that have been said about her.

"Imran has taken away a mother to three young children, our daughter and our sister. She will never be forgotten and we will make sure her children grow up with the memory of her.

"We thank the police and everyone who has helped find justice for Yasmin."