Man Jailed For Life Over Wife’s Murder While Kids Slept
A 36-year-old man has been locked up for life after strangling his wife, Isobella “Izzy” Knight, at their Northamptonshire home.
Horrific Attack As Children Slept Nearby
On June 13 last year, Paul Knight murdered Izzy inside their Donnington Road house in Burton Latimer. Their two young daughters were asleep just rooms away during the chilling attack.
Broken Marriage and Drug Addiction Blamed
Izzy had grown unhappy in the marriage. She confided in friends that Paul treated her badly and had twice wanted a divorce before briefly patching things up. At the time of her death, Izzy was certain she wanted out. The couple were even sleeping in separate bedrooms, and Izzy had been secretly searching Rightmove for a new home, planning a fresh start.
Paul Knight’s serious cocaine addiction was a major factor. He used drugs before and after the murder, sinking the family into financial trouble. Disturbingly, he also spent time watching pornography, showing his deeply troubled mindset.
Suicide Attempt Fails, Shocking Discovery Follows
The morning after killing Izzy, Knight asked his mother to look after the children, falsely claiming both he and Izzy were ill. After she took the kids, he tried to kill himself — but failed. He then crashed his car in a nearby McDonald’s car park.
Police, suspicious of his actions, searched Knight’s home and found Izzy’s body. A note left in the hallway read:
“If you’re reading this, I have killed myself and Izzy. I really didn’t mean to kill her. I am truly sorry but it’s due to having an addiction to cocaine and spending money I don’t have.”
Paul Knight was arrested and charged with murder. Though he initially denied the crime, he changed his plea to guilty at Northampton Crown Court on January 8.
On January 29, Knight was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum term of 17 years and one month.
