Man who stabbed wife to death in Edinburgh while children were at home jailed for life
Momodou Bobb repeatedly struck Ndata Bobb with knives at their family home in August last year
A man who stabbed his wife to death in a “frenzied attack” at her home while her four children were asleep has been jailed for life.
Momodou Bobb murdered Ndata Bobb in the middle of the night at their home in Restalrig Avenue on August 28 last year.
After a disagreement, the 56‑year‑old attacked his wife with two knives, stabbing her 22 times including in the face, neck, chest, back and arm.
Covered in blood, Bobb then woke up one of their children and and instructed them to call 999.
Emergency services arrived on the scene just after 1am, but the 42-year-old was pronounced dead around two hours later after being taken to hospital.
Bobb, who had knife wounds to his hands, was arrested and later charged with her murder.
Ms Bobb was originally from The Gambia, where she attended school and college before getting a job in a bank. After meeting her husband she moved to the UK and the pair had three children together.
The oldest child, who she had by her late first husband, is 14, and the younger siblings are ten, six and three.
The court heard how she was a “much loved sister” as one of 15 siblings and half siblings, and that shortly her death she had travelled to The Gambia for her mother’s funeral.
Bobb was given a life sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, and has been ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years and eight months in custody.
He pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Bobb last month.
On sentencing, Judge Lady Haldane said there had been “no credible explanation” for his actions and described the murder as a “frenzied attack”.
She said: “Ndata was a much loved member of her large and extended family. The effect upon her four children, still very young, is incalculable, profound, and likely life long.
“Not only have they lost the love and guidance of their mother but they will require to begin their lives over again in entirely new circumstances.
“It is to the great credit of Ndata’s family that they have rallied around to support these children but that will in turn impact upon their own lives and the future of the children is, at present, far from certain.
“The ripples of harm from your actions are wide spread and long lasting.”
Moira Orr, who leads on homicide for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, 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.
“While Bobb has now admitted his guilt and been held accountable, our thoughts today remain with Ndata’s family.
“This case is another stark reminder of the harm caused by violence against women and girls.
“Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to use every tool available to pursue those responsible for this type of offending and to protect the public from harm.”
Police Scotland Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ndata at this extremely difficult time.
“This was a heart-breaking and senseless crime that took the life of a much-loved woman and devoted mother.
“We remain committed to bringing those who commit such violent acts to justice.”
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “We understand that such a tragic incident has had a profound effect on Ndata’s family and friends, and it is important we continue to provide support at this difficult time.
“Our community advisors and community representatives helped shape our response during and after this incident, providing invaluable insight into Gambian culture and helping us to understand their needs.
“Crimes of this nature can also impact the wider public and we extensively engage and work directly with communities to address any concerns and provide reassurance.
“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.”