A PHARMACIST who slashed his wife’s neck in a pique of jealousy as he thought she was being unfaithful has been jailed for life.

Imran Sharif, 44, was put behind bars at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (5/4) and must serve a minimum of 14 years and nine months for the murder of his wife and mother of their four children Raheela, 45, at their family home in Hillersdon, Slough, on October 20 last year.

The court heard how Sharif had become increasingly suspicious that his wife of 18 years was having an affair with a cousin who was 15 years younger than her in Pakistan and tried to become more controlling over her, even to the extent that the 44-year-old installed a tracking device on her mobile phone which Raheela had told a friend copied the messages she received to his own mobile.

Allan Mainds, prosecuting, said: “He totally misread an affectionate relationship between his wife and her cousin. There was clearly never an opportunity for any liasons, sexual or otherwise with that cousin. It was an almost maternal relationship. She was that kind of caring, loving person.” On the morning of the murder, Sharif had taken his wife’s phone and discovered messages on it from the cousin in Pakistan and the two argued in the kitchen of their home after the father returned from dropping off their children at school.

The court heard how Sharif had first attempted to strangle his wife before reaching for a nearby knife and slashing her neck at least five times. She also had cuts to her hands and bruises on her body suggesting there had been a struggle.

Sharif left his wife’s body on the floor of the kitchen, but pulled down her trousers and underwear and left the front door of the house ajar in an apparent bid to cover his tracks by suggesting the murder was done by a stranger with a sexual motive.

The 44-year-old then stashed his blood stained shirt and jeans under the seat of his car which were later discovered by police. Mr Mainds said Sharif said he had ‘forgotten’ to destroy the clothes while he was at work after he killed his wife. The knife used in the attack has never been found.

Raheela’s body was found by her brother a trained first aider - but by the time he found her, she had no pulse. The brother called Sharif to say his wife had died and the pair argued at the home when Sharif returned and were arguing when police arrived.

Mr Mainds read out a victim impact statement from the couple’s eldest daughter, aged 15. It read: “My mum will always be my role model, but I will never be able to reach the heights she did. My mum’s joyful memory and respectful teachings will stay with me and my siblings. Even though we have family, we cannot replace her.

Defending, Gregory Bull said: “This case demonstrates how corrosive jealousy can be. This wasn’t premeditated. He has not taken the knife to the scene. This wasn’t a sadistic killing.

“He is a man who has destroyed his own life as well as the life of his wife and he knows that.

In sentencing, Judge Joanna Cutts QC said: “This was a savage attack. You became increasingly jealous of that friendship believing it to be appropriate. You were wrong.

“Due to your actions, they [the couple’s children] have to find their way through life without their mother.” Sharif pleaded guilty to murder at the same court in March. He was arrested on October 20 - the day of the murder - and later charged with murder on October 23.

While at Bullingdon Prison, Sharif confided in another prisoner, who he had known for about 12 years, and admitted to the murder. Judge Cutts criticised this as he confided the fact in November, but only pleaded guilty in March.

Family statement “There will never be the words to describe the pain and the void in our lives caused by the loss of our mother, sister and friend Raheela, we are like lost sheep without her and her four children have been orphaned.

“The laughter has gone from the house and our lives. Raheela was the life and soul of any event. She had such a loud laugh that it will always be remembered and hugely missed.

“Imran Sharif has given us a life sentence and he will never suffer in the way we will. It is unfair that because of his guilty plea he will not serve the sentence he deserves but no sentence could ever be long enough to account our loss. He will still get a chance to live his life again but Raheela will never have that privilege.

“All we have left now are our memories. Imran Sharif took a part of our lives when he took Raheela from us. Life without Raheela will never be the same but she will never be forgotten.

“We would like to pass on our sincere thanks to all the friends and family who have provided us with love and support since Raheela’s death. We hold you all dear in our hearts and feel that this has been a testament to Raheela and the person she was.” Police statement Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mike Lynch said: “I am glad that Sharif has accepted responsibility for what he did and admitted that he took his wife’s life.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time for Raheela’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with their loss and although it may offer them little comfort, I hope that the sentence Sharif has been given today will be of some help as they begin to rebuild their family’s lives.”