From crimes of passion to sickening street violence, several defendants have received life sentences over the past 12 months and face decades behind bars. Some may never see freedom again.
1. Convicted killers
Convicted killers who have been put behind bars this year. (pics from WYP / National World) Photo: WYP
2. Satpreet Singh Gandhi
Vengeful Singh Gandhi stabbed his estranged wife to death on the doorstep of her Headingley flat after refusing to believe their relationship was over. He was even caught on camera days before buying the kitchen knife in Asda which he used to murder her. The court heard that 32-year-old Harleen Kaur Satpreet Gandhi had finally plucked up the courage to leave her abusive husband, but he would not accept her decision. He admitted her killing and in January was jailed for life with a minimum 23 years and four months to be served. (pic by WYP) Photo: WYP
3. Christopher Donaldson
Christopher Donaldson, 45, was jailed after being found guilty of murdering HGV driver Mark Steel during a street brawl in Ossett in Wakefield. Mr Steel, 41, was fatally stabbed in the chest, back and neck on Parkfield View on September 2 last year during the fight. He was there trying to help get his friend’s stolen bank card back from the three defendants, who all lived on the street. Donaldson came out of his property armed with a chain and a knife, which he plunged into Mr Steel in the ensuing confrontation. Donaldson was jailed for life with a minimum 24 years in March of this year. (pic by WYP) found guilty of murder following a trial and jailed for life with a minimum 24 years, minus the 209 days he has spent on remand. He was also found guilty of ABH and GBH. Photo: WYP
4. Anthony Sladek
Sladek stood trial alongside Christopher Donaldson over the death of HGV driver Tony Steel, who was stabbed to death outside a property in Ossett in Wakefield. Anthony Sladek, 39, had also denied murder but was found guilty of manslaughter. He was given 11-and-a-half years. It was claimed by the defendants that they acted in self defence, that Mr Steel had been carrying a chain or metal bar, which was rejected. The judge, Recorder of Leeds Guy Kearl KC said of the brawl that “matters got well out of hand”. He told those involved: “None of you have shown any remorse whatsoever. You have been indifferent, at best, to the death of Anthony Steel.” Photo: WYP