Life Sentence for Man Who Fatally Stabbed Wife
A man who murdered his wife by stabbing her at least 22 times while their four children were in their bedrooms has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Momodou Bobb, 56, was ordered to serve 16 years and eight months before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
Details of the Attack
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Bobb used two knives to stab his wife, Ndata, 42, multiple times in the face, head, neck, chest, abdomen, back, and arm. She died after a knife wound to her neck severed the jugular vein.
Judge Lady Haldane described the attack as "undoubtedly a frenzied attack, involving 22 stab wounds, on your wife who you claimed to have loved."
She noted that no credible explanation was provided for the violence inflicted on Ndata, who also had defensive wounds on her arms. Lady Haldane emphasized that Bobb's culpability and the harm caused were both significant.
"Whether or not you are ever released will be for others to determine in future and even if released you will be subject to licence for the rest of your life,"Lady Haldane told Bobb.
The judge also referenced a statement from one of Ndata's sisters, who expressed that the loss of her sister under such horrific circumstances, following the death of their mother, was unbearable for the family.
Lady Haldane commended the family for rallying to support the children during this difficult time.
Admission and Circumstances of the Murder
Bobb admitted to murdering his wife on 27 and 28 August last year at their family home in Restalrig Avenue, Edinburgh, by repeatedly stabbing her in the head, neck, and body. The offence was aggravated by involving the abuse of his partner.
One of the children called emergency services reporting a "fight" between the couple. Police arrived at the residence and found Bobb.
"He was wearing only boxer shorts and had blood on his hands, chest and feet. He appeared calm and undistressed,"said Advocate Depute Lisa Gillespie KC.
Bobb had a bandage on his throat and could only whisper. He indicated where Ndata was lying face down on the floor.
"She was dressed in a vest top and pyjama bottoms,"the prosecutor stated.
"She was not moving and had numerous wounds to her face, neck, chest and arms. Blood had pooled around her and was splattered up the wall next to her."
An ambulance was called, and two blood-stained knives were found on the kitchen table.
Police attempted to resuscitate Ndata, who was not breathing. Paramedics detected some heart activity and transported her to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where medical staff were unable to save her.
Police learned that Bobb and his wife had been in conflict, with Ndata refusing to speak to him. A witness reported hearing her scream "leave me alone" and cry loudly.
Bobb sustained serious knife wounds to his hand and was also taken to hospital.
"While being treated he commented that he and his partner had been fighting and that he had been holding a knife that had slipped,"the advocate depute said.
Background Information
Bobb, originally from Gambia, moved to the UK in 1995 and was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2002. He had undergone surgery following a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.
Ndata was also born in Gambia. After the death of her first husband from cancer, she married Bobb and relocated to the UK in 2018. She was a former bank worker.
Legal Proceedings and Defence
Defence counsel Brian McConnachie KC stated that Bobb denied any prior domestic abuse allegations.
McConnachie noted that the Home Office was expected to initiate deportation proceedings against Bobb.
He added that Bobb retained "a great deal of affection for his children" and was "distraught at the situation he has left them in."
Official Statements
Moira Orr, homicide lead for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said:
"Momodou Bobb murdered Ndata Bobb in her own home - a place where she had every right to be safe.
His deliberate actions have taken the life of a much‑loved mother and sister.
Her death has had a profound and devastating impact on her family, bringing unimaginable grief and trauma."
She further added:
"This case is another stark reminder of the harm caused by violence against women and girls."
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal commented:
"We are committed to continuing to strengthen our positive relationships with African communities in Edinburgh and ensuring that all the people we serve have trust and confidence in policing and feel able to speak to us, whether it is to report a crime or share information."
