Man who drugged and murdered wife jailed for life

Shane Simmonds was sentenced to 32 years in jail after pleading guilty

A man who drugged his wife before stabbing her to death has been jailed for at least 32 years.

Shane Simmons admitted murdering his wife Tia at their home in Forest Hill, south-east London, in January.

Her body was found in the attic after Simmons walked into a police station and told officers what he had done.

A kitchen knife used to stab Mrs Simmons was found in the couple's bedroom and her body had been concealed beneath clothing and bedding.

'Callous and brutal'

Investigators found evidence that Simmons had bought cleaning products and replacement bedding "in an attempt to hide his crime".

Det Supt Matt Webb, said: “This was a callous and brutal murder which was clearly premeditated. He drugged his wife before attacking her with a knife; there was no opportunity for her to defend herself.

“The overwhelming evidence against him left Simmonds with no other option but to plead guilty.

"The impact of his actions that day will last a lifetime for Tia’s family and friends.”

Simmonds also pleaded guilty to two counts of rape in relation to a separate woman.

He was sentenced to 12 years concurrently for each of these offences.