Woman jailed for 14 years for Tony Browne murder

Q Radio News

A  35 year old woman will serve at least 14 years in jail for the murder of west Belfast man Tony Browne  in 2022.

The defendant Wiktoria Maksymowicz was handed a life sentence in May, after pleading guilty to murder aggravated by domestic abuse.

Today, the 35-year-old, appearing before Belfast Crown Court, was told she will serve a minimum of 14 years in prison.

Detective Inspector Stuart Campbell said: “Anthony Browne, who was known as Tony, was 54 years old when he was murdered by Wiktoria Maksymowicz, with whom he was in a relationship.

“He was murdered on the night of 14 October 2022 in the bedroom of his west Belfast home, which he shared with the defendant.  

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service found Mr Browne in his bed, seriously injured.  He had sustained a stab wound to his neck and, sadly, later died in hospital.  

“This was the most senseless, brutal and irreversible act of violence.

“Tony was a much-loved father.  His twin daughters and son, along with the wider family, have suffered inconsolably. Friends and local people, too, have lost a loved one.

“Working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, Maksymowicz has now been held accountable for her actions.  I’m deeply aware, however, that the heartache felt by Tony’s loving family goes on.  My thoughts, and that of my team, are with them.”

Detective Inspector Campbell added: “This has been a tragic case of domestic homicide.

“Sadly, we know that domestic abuse can take many forms, including controlling behaviours and emotional abuse, and that it can affect anyone.  In this case, an act of violence has taken a man’s life.

“I am keen to encourage any victims of abuse, whatever your circumstances, to come forward.  We will listen to you and we will treat you with the utmost sensitivity.

“Please contact us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report, or in an emergency call 999.”

For further information, visit the Police Service’s website www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse  It includes details of organisations, including Men’s Advisory Project (MAP), who can offer support.

Wiktoria Maksymowicz, sentenced to life for the murder of Tony Browne