Tilehurst man sentenced for wife's attempted murder

Moses Conteh, of Church End Lane, was jailed at Reading Crown Court last Thursday (October 18), after admitting a charge of attempted murder in connection with an incident at his home on February 26 this year.
Conteh (pictured) attacked his 50-year-old wife with a knife and a cup of caustic soda; stabbing her in the stomach and causing burn injuries to her body.
The victim managed to break free but Conteh caught up with her in the hallway and they struggled again, before she fell down the stairway. She then managed to run free from the house and raised the alarm with a neighbour.
Conteh, aged 52, then attempted to take his own life by swallowing some of the caustic soda.
Both were taken to hospital for treatment and police were unable to interview Conteh for almost three months while he recovered from his injuries.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge John Reddihough said: “You have committed dreadful acts of violence against your wife who suffered life-threatening injuries; she was scared physically and mentally for her life.
“There has not been much remorse shown on your part and the planning of this act is a serious part of this case, which is aggravated by the knife and caustic soda you used.
“Although you are left with serious damage yourself and are of previous good character a substantial sentence will be passed.”
Detective Inspector Nick Watts, of CID in Reading, said: “I welcome the sentence given to Moses Conteh by the court, which reflects the horrific nature of the attack he carried out on his wife.
“I hope the victim is able to find some form of closure following the conclusion of this very distressing case.”