West Midlands Murder: Timothy Spencer QC successfully prosecutes Robert Edwards

A West Midlands man who brutally murdered his prospective mother-in-law in a knife attack after his fiancée called off their wedding, has been jailed for life.

Robert Edwards, 42, of Tipton, carried out the attack on Sylvia Smith on 7 May 2010, four days after finding out his partner had cancelled their wedding.

Prosecutor Timothy Spencer QC told the jury Mrs Smith's body was found at her home in Erdington, Birmingham, when her daughter returned home from work on May 7. Describing Mrs Smith's injuries to the jury, Mr Spencer said, 'There was a devastating combination of knife injury and blunt-force injury from fist, foot or both.'

Mr Edwards was sentenced in Birmingham Crown Court on 16 December 2010.

In a statement released by police, the family of Mrs Smith said: 'This verdict is justice for Sylvia. It is not a time for celebration.  We are all very grateful to Mr Spencer QC and the Crown Prosecution Service, the forensic science service, West Midlands Police and the staff at the crown court for their help and support in getting us through this most traumatic time.'