Colchester murder: Ertan Ersoy who cut wife's throat in 'jealous rage' jailed
The 51-year-old, who was found guilty following a trial, stabbed Dr Antonella Castelvedere "many times, causing 15 areas of sharp force injury" to her face, neck, upper chest and to both hands, the court heard.
Friday 27 October 2023 15:37, UK
A manipulative husband who repeatedly stabbed his university lecturer wife in a "jealous rage" and cut her throat has been jailed for at least 25 years for her murder.
Ertan Ersoy, 51, had been stood up in the secure dock, but threw his hearing loop to the floor and sat back down when his minimum-term life sentence was handed down by the judge for what police described as a "cruel and brutal attack".
He also gesticulated with his right hand as he was led to the cells at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Ersoy stabbed Dr Antonella Castelvedere "many times, causing 15 areas of sharp force injury" to her face, neck, upper chest and to both hands, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said.
He had suspected his wife was cheating on him, jurors were told, and had previously placed a listening device in their home in Colchester, Essex.
Dr Castelvedere, 52, a lecturer at the University of Suffolk who led an MA course in English and creative writing, was found dead on the kitchen floor of their home on 1 June last year.
Judge Christopher Morgan said the defendant stabbed Dr Castelvedere in a "jealous rage".
"I'm satisfied the offence occurred because you couldn't accept the autonomy of Antonella," he told Ersoy.
"I use that firstly within the marriage and secondly within her work life."
The judge said he "cannot be sure of the precise circumstances" of the stabbing, but was "sure that (Ersoy) entered that kitchen and confronted her in a manner that you knew was likely to upset her, make her angry and provoke a response".
He continued: "She was no threat to you when you ended her life in the most brutal fashion by cutting her throat."
Mr Paxton had told Ersoy's trial: "In short and simple terms, we the prosecution say it was this defendant's anger, jealousy and his failings that led to him killing his wife."
Mr Paxton said Ersoy, also a lecturer and teaching fellow, had called emergency services and went out into the street and called for help after stabbing his wife.
Ersoy denied his wife's murder but was found guilty following a trial.
He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but claimed in his defence that he was suffering from an abnormality of mental functioning at the time.
In a statement released after his conviction, Dr Castelvedere's family said: "The family thanks for the respect shown towards Antonella, respect that Antonella did not have from her husband, and for all the people involved, and the delicacy with which they communicated to us the developments of this tragic story.
"Respect is important for those who remain."
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'A man who sought to control his wife's life'
Detective Chief Inspector Ant Alcock who led the investigation said: "This is a tragic case in which a family has lost a mother, daughter and a sister.
"First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Antonella's family and friends. I know her loss will continue to be felt by those close to her.
"Ertan Ersoy is a clever, manipulative and calculated man, but his defence was based on a lie which was found out.
"He claimed he had an abnormality of mental functioning that substantially affected his judgement and self-control, this abnormality was described by experts as mild to moderate depression which the jury did not agree was sufficient to reduce his conviction to manslaughter.
"He was a man who sought to control his wife's life and that ultimately culminated in a cruel and brutal attack in June last year.
"As an investigation team, we are very aware that no verdict will ever bring Antonella back but we hope that the jury's decision will be of some comfort to them."