Kent woman kills husband with axe over emotional abuse, gets community order

KENT WOMAN KILLS HUSBAND WITH AXE OVER EMOTIONAL ABUSE, GETS COMMUNITY ORDER

A woman named Wadanahalugeder Chandrasekera, aged 59, from Port Close in Bearsted, Kent, was involved in a domestic homicide after she killed her husband, Sarath Chandrasekera, with an axe.

The incident occurred on 22 October last year, when she struck him 11 times following revelations that he was living with her niece and had a daughter with her.

Chandrasekera had admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, citing mental abuse and emotional stress inflicted by her husband, who was 57.

Woolwich Crown Court sentenced her to a three-year community order after she served 10 months in jail awaiting trial.

The court acknowledged her mental state, stating that she was depressed and distressed at the time of the assault, which was not premeditated.

The judge described the case as tragic, emphasizing the unique circumstances involving prolonged emotional abuse.

Chandrasekera was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Her children, Thusara and Harshani, expressed their love and gratitude towards their mother, stating they do not blame anyone for the family breakdown.

The court highlighted that Chandrasekera would have to live with the knowledge that she caused her husband's death, despite the incident not being planned.