Ty Medland has been found guilty of murdering wife Sam - and has been told he will be jailed for life to serve at least 25 years.
Medland, 26, of Cavell Avenue, Peacehaven, has just learnt that a majority verdict of 11 jurors to one found his guilty at Lewes Crown Court.
At 8.45pm on Sunday 17 February police were called to Queen's Square, Brighton, where 24-year-old Sam had been stabbed.
Sam later died at hospital from multiple stab wounds and Medland, her husband, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of her murder.
Medland, 25, at the time of his arrest, was charged with murder on 19 February.
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on 31 May, but not guilty to murder. However he was found guilty of her murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, who headed a Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team investigation, said: "Sam Medland was just 24 when she was murdered by her husband who she had been married to for just a short time. Medland has tried to blame his actions on his severe depression but the jury has not let him use this as a excuse.
"There were a lot of people in the area at the time who tried to help Sam and I want to thank them and their bravery in attempting to stop Ty Medland from carrying out his vicious attack.
"Our thoughts are very much with Sam's family who have sat through the trial hearing very distressing evidence about what happened that night. I hope the verdict brings them some comfort."
Sam's mum, Amelia Shah said: "My family and I are absolutely devastated and shocked that Sam has been taken from us in such a way.
"She was in the prime of her life. She was young, beautiful, loving, and a wonderful daughter, sister and auntie who we miss terribly. We are all still coming to terms with her death and miss her so much. The loss is immense.
"No-one should outlive their children. The actions of Ty Medland have caused devastation and heartbreak to my family. "Through the court trial I can understand what happened to Sam and how much effort was taken to try and save her. We would like to thank everyone who tried to help Sam that night, especially her good friend Ben Kennedy. We extend those thanks to Sussex Police, ambulance and hospital staff and everyone else who has helped and supported us.
"I know we, as a family, will never get over the loss of our Sam."
Simon Drew from the CPS South East Complex Casework Unit said: “This case represents a tragic and brutal loss of life and our thoughts are with Sam’s friends and family. The defendant is a petulant, immature man who is incapable of dealing with rejection. He violently overreacted towards Sam leaving him, lashing out at her in an explosive loss of temper. We welcome the jury’s verdict that he was not suffering from a recognised medical condition which substantially impaired his responsibility for his actions when he murdered Sam Medland.
“We would like to take this opportunity to commend the courage of the witnesses who came forward to give evidence in court, particularly Ben Kennedy, who was injured trying to stop the defendant. He showed considerable bravery in trying to intervene in what was a highly dangerous situation.”
Pay tribute to Sam below.
See the latest news headlines from The Argus: More news from The Argus Follow @brightonargus Like us on Facebook
Add us to your circles on Google+
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel