Abusive husband murdered his wife just weeks after being released on bail for violently attacking his wife

In the news: Madina Landsberg, 31, was murdered by her abusive husband Dexter Landsberg, 34, in June this year, while he was on bail for attacking her

An abusive husband murdered his wife just weeks after being released on bail for violently attacking her, despite her repeated calls to police to warn she was in danger.

Madina Landsberg, 31, had reported her 34-year-old husband Dexter to Hertfordshire police several times in the months before she died.

In April, Dexter was arrested for beating up his wife and smashing her mobile phone in a violent rage. He had also been cautioned in 2012 for assaulting his wife.

But, after being charged with common assault and criminal damage, he was released on bail.
Just weeks later, Mrs Landsberg was found beaten to death at the couple's home in Hatfield.
                           
Mrs Landsberg had phoned police several times to warn that she felt she was in danger 

The case was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the police watchdog, which advised the force to carry out an investigation into its contact with the victim.

Today, Dexter pleaded guilty at St Albans Crown Court to his wife's murder. He had initially denied murder but changed his plea this morning.

The defendant, who appeared wearing a grey suit, blue tie and white shirt, stood only to say 'guilty' after his lawyers asked the judge for the charge to be put to him again.

Two further charges of common assault and criminal damage - relating to the offences for which he was on bail at the time - were dropped by the prosecution.

The force was unable to comment on how many times the woman had contacted police before her death.