Man is jailed for 15 years for killing his partner

A man who killed his partner at their home in Clapham after stabbing her more than 60 times has been jailed for 15 years.

Mark Alexander, 29, formerly of Clapham Road, Stockwell, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday,  May 27.

He previously admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility following the death of Azaria Williams, pictured..

Police were called at around 9pm on December 27 2020 after a neighbour heard screaming at a residential property in Clapham Road.

Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found Azaria had been stabbed a number of times. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the 26-year-old died at the scene.

A post-mortem found she had been stabbed 63 times and also had suffered a number of slash injuries.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command began a murder investigation and Alexander was arrested at the scene. He was taken into custody and questioned about his involvement in Azaria’s death.

He told officers Azaria had been stabbed by another man who he believed she was having an affair with and denied being with her when the attack happened.

Officers carried out a search of the property and found two knives that were covered in blood. Alexander’s DNA was found on both weapons.

The pair were also caught on CCTV together at a nearby shop around 30 minutes before the attack happened.

The evidence officers collected proved Alexander lied about another man being involved and he was the person responsible for the attack. He was charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Jason Crinnion, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:”This was a vicious act of violence on a defenceless woman who had the rest of her life ahead of her. My thoughts remain with her family and friends as they continue to come to terms with her death.

“We are committed to making London a safer place for women and girls. Our thorough investigation has resulted in a dangerous man being convicted and this means he will no longer pose a danger to other women.”

For support and advice contact the charity Refuge or call the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always call 999.

Pictured above – Mark Alexander Pictures: The Met