Leeds man admits murdering fiancé with claw hammer in brutal and sustained attack

Jack Johns had a history of domestic violence

A man has admitting murdering his partner in a brutal and sustained attack at her home in Leeds.

Jack Johns, 52, of School Street, Tingley, appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, September 30 and admitted the murder of Malgorzata Wiktor, also known as Gosia.

On June 11 this year, Gosia’s son called 999 after being told his mother had not turned up for work. He said he was unable to get into her house and was assisted by police who forced entry to her home in Foster Square, Belle Isle.

Officers found Johns lying unconscious on top of Gosia, who had significant injuries to her head and face and a stab wound to her chest. A police officer began CPR, but Gosia was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

A claw hammer and a knife were found on the floor nearby. Johns was taken to hospital for treatment, having taken an overdose of medication combined with alcohol and was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

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It was later discovered that the couple had been in a relationship for around six months and had become engaged during that time. Johns was described as behaving in a controlling manner towards Gosia and "love bombing" her.

The court was told Johns had previous convictions related to the domestic abuse of two previous partners in the aftermath of the relationships ending, followed by attempts to take his own life.

Following his admission, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Hannah Dixon, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This was a sustained attack with Johns causing extensive injuries to the woman he claimed to love.

“Our investigation found that there had been concerns from both sides of their families and from Gosia’s friends about some of the behaviour shown by Johns in their relatively short but intense relationship.

“It is clear how well liked and loved Gosia was, and I am glad for her friends and family that Johns has admitted responsibility and spared them the further distress of a trial.”

Johns will be sentenced at a later date.