‘No premeditation’: Man given life sentence for murdering wife in UK was mentally and physically worn down after fall, says judge
The defence team told the court Fong was “bewildered, devastated and broken”, and that he continues to have no real recollection of what happened in that room that night.
Toby Headworth QC said Fong is “living a nightmare from which he cannot wake”.
On Aug 9, Fong pleaded guilty to the murder and told the Newcastle Crown Court in the north-east of England that he now accepts “proper criminal liability” for his actions on the night his wife died.
During his sentencing on Friday, Judge Sloan noted that it was clear the defendant had been experiencing significant discomfort and was “mentally and physically” worn down, referencing a fall Fong had experienced while travelling in Scotland before Pek Ying Ling’s death.
Fong was taken to hospital after falling from a steep embankment and prescribed a mix of strong painkillers.
The judge said there was “no premeditation” in the attack and that Fong was a “man of good character”.
But, in his judgement, he added that he was sure that in the minutes Fong held a pillow over his wife’s face, he had “formed an intention to kill”.
The judge handed Fong a life sentence, telling him he must serve a minimum of 12-and-a-half years in prison before he would be considered eligible for parole.
Fong is expected to serve that time in a jail in the United Kingdom.
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