"Controlling" man admits murdering partner in Leeds in sustained attack

A man has admitted murdering his partner in a “sustained attack” in her home.

Jack Johns, aged 52, of School Street, Tingley, appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (Sep 30) where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Malgorzata Wiktor, who was known as Gosia.

On the morning of June 11, 2026, Gosia’s son called 999 after being told his mother had not turned up for work and then finding he was unable to get into her house in Leeds.

Officers forced entry to her property in Foster Square, Belle Isle.

They 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 having taken an overdose of medication combined with alcohol and was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

From police enquiries with Gosia’s family and friends, it was established that the couple had been in a relationship for around six months, which had moved quickly to them getting engaged.

Johns was described as behaving in a controlling way toward 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.

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 has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date, West Yorkshire Police said.