Francis Matthew, 62, the former editor of Gulf News, who was jailed for 10 years for killing his wife with a hammer, has appealed to have his sentence reduced at a court hearing earlier this week. The court’s verdict on his latest appeal is expected on 7 October.
The lawyer for Matthew, Ali Al Shamsi argued that the sentence is too severe and should be reduced. He also appealed to the court to lift the deportation order on Mathew after he serves his sentence.
“There is no criminal intent here and the case documents prove that. The fact that this man, and his now deceased wife, paid for tickets and hotel bookings to return home for their son’s graduation ceremony also backs the fact he did not have any intention of killing her,” said Mr Al Shamsi.
Matthew's lawyers had also previously argued that the incident took place in the heat of the moment and that he was not aware of his actions.
Matthew initially claimed that he wife was killed by thieves who broke into their home on 4 July while he was at work. However, he later admitted killing his wife after an argument over his wish to move to a smaller house because of financial constraints.