Ex-Partner Jailed for Life Over Brutal Epsom Stabbing
A 41-year-old man has been handed a life sentence with a minimum of 27 years behind bars for the brutal murder of his ex-partner in Epsom earlier this year. Ricardo Godinho was convicted at Guildford Crown Court for fatally stabbing Aliny Mendes, 39, at a busy junction in Ewell on 8 February.
Chilling Attack Caught on Witnesses’ Eyes
Police rushed to the Sparrow Farm Road and London Road junction after reports of a stabbing. Aliny Mendes was found dead at the roadside, succumbing to multiple stab wounds.
Witnesses identified Godinho as the attacker, with the clothes he wore matching their descriptions. One of his colleagues tipped off the police, reporting Godinho’s chilling murder confession. He was arrested just 90 minutes later in Cheam.
Stalking, Separation, and a Terrifying Confrontation
The court heard that Godinho and Mendes had separated in December 2018, but his behaviour became increasingly threatening. On the day of the attack, Aliny had been on a bus with their 3-year-old daughter when Godinho followed her in his car.
As she stepped off the bus, Godinho sprang from his vehicle and stabbed her multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
“Aliny was a beautiful, intelligent, happy, caring woman who was loved by so many… The events of 8 February took away not only a sister, daughter, and friend, but a loving mother from her four small children under the age of 12. The impact on the children is unimaginable — birthdays, school plays, and milestones will be without their mum’s love and support. This daily struggle to accept the loss is heartbreaking. No sentence can bring our beautiful Aliny back.”
Justice Delivered, But The Trauma Lingers
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Chapman praised the bravery of eyewitnesses and stressed the lasting trauma caused by the daylight murder. “Aliny’s priority was her children, and the community’s support has been vital.”
Prosecutor Claire Gallagher slammed Godinho’s claims of losing control. She said, “He was calm and calculated. The large knife found with him and his own digital history proved he planned to kill.”
Godinho initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder and knife possession charges. The court’s verdict has now confirmed justice for Aliny Mendes and her family.
