Man who murdered Izzy Knight handed life sentence

A 36-year-old man has been given a life sentence for the murder of his wife - Isobella “Izzy” Knight.

On June 13 last year, Paul Knight strangled Izzy inside their home in Donnington Road, Burton Latimer, while their two daughters lay in bed asleep.

The court heard how Izzy had been unhappy in the marriage, telling friends Knight treated her badly and informing him twice that she wanted a divorce before reconciling.

At the time of the murder, she was now sure that she wanted a divorce. By then the couple were sleeping in separate bedrooms, and Izzy had been searching for properties on Rightmove for her future life after the divorce.

Before and after he killed Izzy, Knight watched pornography and consumed a quantity of cocaine to feed his “serious addiction” to the Class A drug - an addiction which caused the couple persistent financial difficulties.

The following morning, he asked his mother to look after the two children, claiming he and Izzy were unwell.

Once they were collected, he made unsuccessful attempts to end his own life before leaving the property and crashing his car in the car park of the nearby McDonald’s restaurant.

The police officers who responded to the collision found his behaviour odd and made the decision to search his home address. That’s when they sadly found Izzy’s body.

On the hallway table was a suicide note penned by Knight which began: “If you're reading this, I have killed myself and Izzy I really didn't mean to kill her. I am truly sorry but it's due to having an addiction to cocaine and spending money I don't have.”

He was arrested and subsequently charged with murder.

Despite initially pleading not guilty to Izzy’s murder, Knight changed his plea to guilty at Northampton Crown Court on January 8.

He was sentenced at the same court today (January 29) to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years and one month. 

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “No sentence will ever make up for the loss of such a wonderful woman, but I am pleased that Paul Knight has been jailed with no hope of release until he is in his 50s.

“This is an absolutely tragic case of violence against a woman who had so many good things ahead of her. She was an amazing mum, much-loved by her family and friends, and did everything she could to live life to its fullest.

“Her life has been cut short in the most dreadful and unfair circumstances, and my thoughts will remain with everyone who loved her for a long time to come.”