Axe Killer Tries to Slash Wrists in Court After 21-Year Jail Term
An axe murderer shocked Norwich Crown Court yesterday by attempting suicide in the dock moments after being sentenced to 21 years behind bars for murdering his wife.
Rafal Winiarski, 42, pulled a concealed blade and slashed at his wrists in front of the judge, lawyers, and court staff. Security swiftly restrained him before any serious harm was done.
Brutal Killing While Daughter Played Outside
Winiarski battered his wife, Malgorzata Lechanska, 37, to death with an axe and knife in their Norfolk home kitchen, as their seven-year-old daughter played outside.
The terrifying attack left her with 17 wounds, including skull fractures and defence injuries. Surveillance cameras secretly planted by the jealous husband at home revealed his obsession over a suspected affair.
Judge Anthony Bate called the assault “wicked and brutal,” condemning Winiarski’s ferocious two-weapon attack and ruling it was premeditated—not a moment of lost control.
Claim of Diminished Responsibility Due to Mental Illness
Though initially charged with murder, Winiarski pleaded guilty to manslaughter citing diminished responsibility. Medical experts diagnosed him with paranoid psychosis and jealousy-driven delusions impairing his judgment at the time.
Neighbours reported hearing shouting and screams before police arrived to find Winiarski calmly watching TV, having changed out of his bloodied clothes. The wife’s body lay nearby with bloodied weapons on the kitchen floor.
Security Lapses Under Scrutiny After Courtroom Slash Bid
The crisis raised urgent questions about how Winiarski smuggled a blade past tight court security. An investigation is underway to prevent future breaches.
Defence lawyer Andrew Spence described Winiarski as suffering from a “complex mental health history” including morbid jealousy. Judge Bate warned he remains a “significant risk to the public,” especially future partners.
Detective Inspector Alix Wright labelled the attack “horrific.” Winiarski’s courtroom suicide bid laid bare his deep mental turmoil—and exposed dangerous courtroom security flaws that could have led to even worse consequences.
