Wiktoria Maksymowicz, 35, has been sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in jail for the murder of her partner, Anthony Browne, in October 2022. Maksymowicz stabbed Mr Browne once in the neck in his Poleglass home, an act that culminated a series of domestic violence incidents.
The murder occurred on the evening of October 14, 2022, at Mr Browne’s bungalow on Woodside Park. Due to his high level of intoxication, it is highly likely that Mr. Browne was unconscious when he was fatally stabbed in his bedroom.
Relatives of the deceased, including his twin daughters Bobbi-Leigh and Shannon McIlwaine, were present in the public gallery of Court 13 at Belfast Crown Court. Mr Justice O’Hara addressed the history of “casual domestic violence” inflicted upon Mr Browne by Maksymowicz during their six-month relationship, which had not been reported to the PSNI.
The court heard that the twins had both been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of their father’s murder. The murder was further aggravated by a violent incident the night before when Maksymowicz stabbed Mr Browne in the leg in front of his nephew.
Maksymowicz, a Polish national residing at Woodside Park, pleaded guilty in May to three offences aggravated by domestic abuse, including murder. She was handed a life sentence. In addition to the murder, she admitted to possessing cannabis on the same date, carrying a knife on a Glider bus, and assaulting Mr Browne on October 13, 2022.
Mr Justice O’Hara highlighted the severity of the crime and the prior unreported incidents of violence during sentencing. Maksymowicz will serve the full 14-year term before her release is considered by the Parole Commissioners.
This case underscores the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the lasting impact on the victims’ families. The court’s decision aims to deliver justice for Mr. Browne and his loved ones, while also addressing the seriousness of domestic abuse.
