Woman Jailed For 14 Years For Murder Of Her Partner

A woman sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Tony Browne in west Belfast in 2022, has been told he will serve a minimum term of 14 years.

In May, 35-year-old Wiktoria Maksymowicz pleaded guilty to murder aggravated by domestic abuse. Appearing before Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, 03 July, she was told that she will serve a minimum of 14 years in prison.

Detective Inspector Stuart Campbell said: "Anthony Browne, who was known as Tony, was 54 years old when he was murdered by Wiktoria Maksymowicz, with whom he was in a relationship.

"He was murdered on the night of 14 October 2022 in the bedroom of his west Belfast home, which he shared with the defendant.

"Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service found Mr Browne in his bed, seriously injured. He had sustained a stab wound to his neck and, sadly, later died in hospital.

"This was the most senseless, brutal and irreversible act of violence.

"Tony was a much-loved father. His twin daughters and son, along with the wider family, have suffered inconsolably. Friends and local people, too, have lost a loved one. "Working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, Maksymowicz has now been held accountable for her actions. I'm deeply aware, however, that the heartache felt by Tony's loving family goes on. My thoughts, and that of my team, are with them."

Detective Inspector Campbell added: "This has been a tragic case of domestic homicide.

"Sadly, we know that domestic abuse can take many forms, including controlling behaviours and emotional abuse, and that it can affect anyone. In this case, an act of violence has taken a man's life.

"I am keen to encourage any victims of abuse, whatever your circumstances, to come forward. We will listen to you and we will treat you with the utmost sensitivity.

"Please contact us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report, or in an emergency call 999."

For further information, visit the Police Service's website www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse. It includes details of organisations, including Men's Advisory Project (MAP), who can offer support.