A man who killed his wife by stabbing her at least 22 times while their four children were in their bedrooms has been given a life sentence. Momodou Bobb, 56, was told he will serve 16 years and eight months in prison before he is eligible to seek parole.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Bobb used two knives to stab his wife, Ndata, 42, in the face, head, neck, chest, abdomen, back and arm. She died after a knife wound to her neck cut the jugular vein. Judge Lady Haldane told Bobb:

"This was undoubtedly a frenzied attack, involving 22 stab wounds, on your wife who you claimed to have loved."

She said no credible explanation had been offered for the violence inflicted on his spouse, who had defensive injuries on her arms, and added that Bobb's culpability and the harm he had caused were both high. Bobb earlier admitted murdering his wife on 27 and 28 August last year at the family home in Restalrig Avenue, Edinburgh, by repeatedly striking her with a knife on the head, neck and body. The offence was aggravated by involving the abuse of his partner. One of the children had called 999 reporting a "fight" involving the couple and police found Bobb at the house.

Advocate depute Lisa Gillespie KC said:

"He was wearing only boxer shorts and had blood on his hands, chest and feet. He appeared calm and undistressed."

The court heard that he had a bandage at his throat and appeared unable to speak, beyond a whisper. The prosecutor said he indicated where the victim was lying face down on the floor.

"She was dressed in a vest top and pyjama bottoms," she said. "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 tried to resuscitate the victim, who was not breathing, and paramedics found signs of some heart activity. She was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but medics were unable to save her. Police discovered that Bobb and his wife had fallen out and Ndata was refusing to speak to him. A witness heard her screaming "leave me alone" and crying loudly. Bobb was found to have sustained serious knife wounds to his hand and was also taken to hospital.

The advocate depute said,

"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 court heard that Bobb, who underwent surgery after being diagnosed with cancer of the larynx, was born in Gambia but moved to the UK in 1995. He was granted indefinite leave to stay in 2002. His wife was also born in the African country and, after the death of her first husband from cancer, the former bank worker married Bobb and moved to the UK in 2018.

Defence counsel Brian McConnachie KC said Bobb denied any suggestion that there was prior domestic abuse involved on his part. McConnachie said Bobb retained,

"A great deal of affection for his children". He added: "He is distraught at the situation he has left them in."

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 added: "This case is another stark reminder of the harm caused by violence against women and girls."

The public reaction to the sentencing has been intense, with many angered by the length of time Bobb will serve before being able to apply for parole. One commenter wrote:

“He should be sentenced to 5 life sentences…not only did he take her life! Now 4 children have to live without a mother!”

Another said:

“Yet another woman killed by a man who once claimed to love her. Women aren’t even safe in their own homes. It’s a femicide epidemic.”

A third added:

“16 years???!!! He’s killed the mother of his 4 kids!!! If this was America, it would be life without parole or the death penalty!!! U.K. sentencing for murder is too lenient!!!”

The case has renewed calls for tougher sentencing in domestic homicide cases, particularly where children witness or are present during the violence. Advocacy groups say the tragedy highlights ongoing failings in recognising and preventing domestic abuse, even in households with no official history on record.