Gulf News ex-editor to serve 15 years for killing wife

A British former newspaper editor in Dubai who was convicted of killing his wife with a hammer has had his sentence extended to 15 years. Francis Matthew was found guilty in March of bludgeoning his wife to death at their home and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The latest verdict was announced Sunday after both sides had appealed.

The court said evidence showed that the Briton had intended to kill his wife, following a row about their finances. Matthew’s lawyer, Ali Al Shamsi, had requested the 10-year sentence be reduced and the deportation order be lifted, insisting that his client did not intend to kill his wife.

An Egyptian forensic expert, Dr. Muna Al Juhary, attempted to substantiate this request, saying Matthew was not aware of his actions at the time of the murder.