A Preston man smashed a hammer into the head of his wife has been jailed for life.

Jamal Khan, 52, was found guilty by Preston Crown Court of the murder of his wife Humera.

Preston Police were called to the couple’s home in Fishwick at 2am on Wednesday 15 February.

They found his 42-year-old wife with serious head injuries.

She was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where she died from what pathologists described as ‘catastrophic head injuries’.

Humera died from at least two blows to her head from a lump hammer wielded by Jamal at their Chatsworth Street home.

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Khan denied murdering his week and was put on trial at Preston Crown Court.

The court heard he lost his temper at his wife because she had failed to make him a meal.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire McEnery said: “This is a tragic case where Humera suffered a fatal head injury at the hands of her husband.

“It was a ferocious attack where she was bludgeoned to death with a lump hammer, causing catastrophic injuries to her as she was working on a sewing machine in her own house, a place where she was entitled to feel safe and secure.

“Humera leaves behind a daughter and two sons and I would like to pay tribute to her family who have acted with dignity throughout the investigation and subsequent trial. They have acted in an exemplary fashion.

“This family have now lost a mother and a father and while they feel that they have today received justice for their mother, they will have to live without parents going forward which adds to their devastation.

“My thoughts and condolences very much remain with them at this time.”

Khan was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison.