Man who admitted killing his wife in Norfolk due back in court

Rafal Winiarski, 42, has always denied the murder of Malgorzata Lechanska, 37, whose body was found at their home in Lake Close, Shipdham.

Malgorzata Lechanska (Image: Facebook)But an earlier plea to manslaughter, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, has since been accepted by prosecutors.

Winiarski refused to appear at Norwich Crown Court last month meaning a psychiatrist could not meet with him to carry out an assessment before he is sentenced.

A further hearing is scheduled at the crown court for May 20 in order that the defendant can meet with a psychiatrist.

Floral tributes at Lake Close, Shipdham (Image: Newsquest)Riel Karmy-Jones KC, prosecuting, has previously said it was important Winiarski was seen by the psychiatrist so he could be assessed, adding there was "little that can be done" until the report was received.

Winiarski's plea to manslaughter was accepted at a hearing in December.

Prosecutors said Winiarski had now been seen by three psychiatrists and one of the prosecution experts was able to conclude it was "more likely than not" the defendant was suffering from "paranoid psychosis and delusions of jealousy".

It meant he did not have the ability to form rational judgment thereby affecting his decision-making at the time.

Emergency services were called to the couple’s home on August 1, 2021, following concerns for the safety of Ms Lechanska.

Lake Close, Shipdham (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)She was pronounced dead a short time later.

A post-mortem examination revealed she died as a result of a severe head injury. 

An axe was found near her body.

Mrs Lechanska, a mother-of-two, had previously worked at Center Parcs near Thetford.

In a tribute to her following her death, a spokesman for Center Parcs said: "Malgorzata was a highly regarded and popular member of the Housekeeping team at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, and she will be truly missed."