Brighton murderer jailed for 25 years

The man who murdered his estranged wife in the centre of Brighton in February was jailed for 25 years at Lewes Crown Court today (Monday 29 July).

Ty Medland, 26, killed Sam Medland in Queen Square, Brighton, outside the offices of Domestic and General where she worked.

Medland, of Cavell Avenue, Peacehaven, was convicted of her murder on Friday (26 July) after a 10-day trial.

He stabbed Mrs Medland several times on the evening of Sunday 17 February. She later died from her wounds at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Sussex Police officers arrested Ty Medland at the scene. He denied murdering his estranged wife when he appeared in court on Friday 31 May.

Instead he pleaded guilty to manslaughter saying that he had been depressed when he killed Mrs Medland. He was, however, found guilty by jury.

Today Judge Anthony Scott-Gall sentenced him to 25 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, who headed a Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team investigation, said: “Sam Medland was just 24 when she was murdered by her husband who she had been married to for just a short time.

“Medland has tried to blame his actions on his severe depression but the jury has not let him use this as an excuse.

“There were a lot of people in the area at the time who tried to help Sam and I want to thank them and their bravery in attempting to stop Ty Medland from carrying out his vicious attack.

“Our thoughts are very much with Sam’s family who have sat through the trial hearing very distressing evidence about what happened that night.

“I hope the verdict and sentence brings them some comfort.”

Mrs Medland’s mother Amelia Shah said: “My family and I are absolutely devastated and shocked that Sam has been taken from us in such a way.

“She was in the prime of her life. She was young, beautiful, loving, and a wonderful daughter, sister and auntie who we miss terribly.

“We are all still coming to terms with her death and miss her so much. The loss is immense.

“No one should outlive their children. The actions of Ty Medland have caused devastation and heartbreak to my family.

“Through the court trial I can understand what happened to Sam and how much effort was taken to try and save her.

“We would like to thank everyone who tried to help Sam that night, especially her good friend Ben Kennedy.

“We extend those thanks to Sussex Police, ambulance and hospital staff and everyone else who has helped and supported us.

“I know we, as a family, will never get over the loss of our Sam.”