'Demonic' killer who savagely stabbed 'one-in-a-million' ex to death is jailed for life

A 'demonic' killer who savagely stabbed his former partner to death will serve a life sentence in jail. Abid Mahmood killed 36-year-old Tamby Dowling in a 'planned and 'premeditated' attack in her own home.

Mahmood, 35, arrived at her house in Oldham in a taxi before bursting through the front door, punching her then knifing her eight times. The couple had split up months earlier, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Mahmood, who brought a knife to the scene, was described as looking 'demonic' at the time. He has suffered 'extensive' mental health problems since his teenage years and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

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He is undergoing treatment at the secure unit at Prestwich hospital. Mahmood will remain there until he is thought to be well enough to be moved to jail.

"I am satisfied that so grave is this case, and such is the risk that you pose, that the only sentence here can be one of imprisonment for life," sentencing judge Alan Conrad QC told him. When he is transferred to jail, Mahmood will serve at least 10 years behind bars before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

"He is devastated by the devastation he has caused," Mahmood's barrister Frida Hussain QC said. "He describes her (Tamby) as being one in a million, and of course that she should be here still with us today, if it weren't for his actions due to his mental health.

She said Mahmood loved her 'dearly' and that he has 'no recollection' of the fatal attack. "He can only imagine the pain that he has caused to her loved ones," Ms Hussain added.

"He can never forgive himself but he prays for mercy." In the weeks prior to the killing,