Woman Jailed for Stabbing Partner to Death in Chilling Domestic Violence Case
Wiktoria Maksymowicz, 35, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum of 14 years behind bars for the murder of her partner, Anthony Browne. The chilling attack took place in October 2022, when Maksymowicz stabbed Browne once in the neck at his home in Poleglass.
Fatal Stabbing After Months of Hidden Abuse
The savage murder occurred on the night of October 14, 2022, at Browne’s bungalow on Woodside Park. Evidence showed Browne was heavily intoxicated and likely unconscious when Maksymowicz fatally stabbed him in his bedroom.
During their six-month relationship, Maksymowicz inflicted casual domestic violence on Browne that went unreported to police. The court heard how the violence escalated to this deadly climax.
Twin Daughters Trauma and Family Heartbreak
Relatives including Browne’s twin daughters, Bobbi-Leigh and Shannon McIlwaine, attended Belfast Crown Court for sentencing. Both daughters have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following their father’s brutal murder.
The court was told the night before the fatal stabbing, Maksymowicz violently attacked Browne again, stabbing him in the leg in front of his nephew.
Life Sentence for Murderer with Violent Past
Maksymowicz, a Polish national living at Woodside Park, pleaded guilty in May to murder aggravated by domestic abuse. She also admitted to possessing cannabis, carrying a knife on a Glider bus, and assaulting Browne days before his death.
Mr Justice O’Hara condemned the unreported domestic violence and highlighted the crime’s severity. Maksymowicz must serve at least 14 years before parole can be considered.
This harrowing case starkly exposes the deadly consequences of domestic violence and the long-term trauma inflicted on victims’ families. The sentence offers some measure of justice for Browne and his devastated loved ones.
