Dana Abdullah, 35, has admitted murdering his wife Avan Najmadeen at her home in Stoke-on-Trent in October last year. The mother of four was stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife after she refused to support his application to remain in the UK.
Stafford Crown Court heard that Abdullah covered his wife's body in a turpentine-based solvent before washing the murder weapon and returning it to its original place. Police discovered the victim after she failed to collect her children from school.
The court was told Ms Najmadeen had changed her address several times to prevent Abdullah from knowing her location. The couple had shared an immigration lawyer until Abdullah learned his wife had asked the solicitor not to cooperate with his application, just three days before the killing.
Prosecutor Andrew Smith QC described the murder as “planned, pre-meditated”, with the motive being her refusal to support his immigration case. Defence barrister Charles Miskin QC conceded it was a planned killing.
Judge Michael Chambers noted Abdullah had made a “considered decision” to murder his wife. The defendant, speaking through a Kurdish interpreter, only confirmed his name and pleaded guilty. A previous hearing had heard claims of PTSD from alleged torture in Iraq.
Sentencing was adjourned until 1 April at the same court. The judge told Abdullah he would receive appropriate credit for his guilty plea.
