Muslim family killer must serve 20 years

BBC News:

A jealous husband jailed for life for killing his former wife and two children will have to serve at least 20 years, a High Court judge has ruled.

Zainulabedin Zaidi, 39, stabbed to death Shazia, 27, and then Saba, seven, and son Zeeshan, six, at home in Bracknell, Berkshire, in 2000.

He was convicted of three counts of murder at Reading Crown Court in 2000.

At the High Court on Thursday, Mr Justice Moses told him he must serve 20 years before parole is considered.

After the 20 years are up, Zaidi will be released if the parole board considers him no danger to the public.

During Zaidi's trial in Autumn 2000, the jury heard a recording of a 999 call in which one of the children pleads "Don't kill me Daddy".

The child also told the operator: "My Dad is getting my Mum and stabbing and killing me."

Zaidi was on a contact visit when he murdered his family in a jealous rage, the court heard.

His arranged Muslim marriage to Shazia had irretrievably broken down and she had remarried in secret.

Following the brutal murders, Zaidi bought himself a takeaway curry and then sought refuge with an acquaintance in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

He was arrested the following day after nationwide appeal by police.

Forensic evidence linked Zaidi to the crime with his former wife's blood being found splattered on his shoes and watch.

Zaidi had refused to give evidence during the trial. He was found guilty of all three murders.

Sentencing Zaidi to three life sentences, Mr Justice Moises said the former banker had shown little remorse and had persisted in denying responsibility for the attack.

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