Woman Jailed for Stabbing Abusive Mother Over 30 Times in West London
Hanaa Bennis, 22, has been handed a nine-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of her mother, Aziza Bennis, 58. The chilling attack happened at their home in Boddington Gardens, Acton, on August 15, 2022, where Aziza suffered more than 30 stab wounds.
Claimed Self-Defence After Lifelong Abuse
Initially charged with murder, Hanaa insisted she acted in self-defence, saying her mother attacked her first. She later pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. During sentencing, Judge Nigel Lickley KC pointed to a toxic mix of violence, illness, alcohol, and family tensions as key factors fueling the fatal row.
Neighbour’s Disturbing 999 Call and Family Feud
Neighbours alerted police after hearing terrifying screams, including desperate pleas such as “Please stop hurting me” and “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” alongside the sound of objects being hurled. The court heard of a bitter text message exchange between mother and daughter on the day of the attack. Hanaa sent: “You made me hate my life,” met by Aziza’s cold reply: “Get a life.”
Alcohol, Drugs, and a History of Violence
Both mother and daughter had been drinking that day. Hanaa had also used drugs in the days before the attack. Prosecutors revealed her history of heavy drinking, erratic behaviour, and refusal to engage with social services. Psychiatric reports and interviews with Hanaa’s sister backed up claims of years of torment at Aziza’s hands, describing the mother as “frequently violent, unpredictable, and unstable.”
Judge Highlights Mixed Emotions and Past Trauma
Judge Lickley acknowledged the ferocity of the attack showed intent to kill but also noted Hanaa’s expressions of “shame and guilt.” Complex post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from childhood trauma was weighed during sentencing. In addition to nine years in prison, Hanaa will serve five years on extended license.
Criminal Past and Ongoing Community Orders
At the time of the killing, Hanaa was already subject to a community order for assaulting an emergency worker and had six previous convictions, including for assault.
