Courts / Wicklow / Report

'I hope she dies': life for controlling husband who stabbed wife 14 times and recorded her 'last throes'

Summary

Bahaalddin Alshwawrah, 46, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his wife, Zeinat Bashabsheh, 42, on Christmas Eve 2021. Alshwawrah stabbed her 14 times with a single‑edged blade, causing fatal chest wounds. He recorded the incident on his mobile phone, shouting "I hope she dies," and sent the footage to another man. The court heard that Alshwawrah had previously claimed his wife had an affair and that he was a victim of her violence, but no evidence supported these allegations. He had two prior convictions in Jordan for simple injury. The victim impact statement described Zeinat as a devoted mother whose death left a profound void. Alshwawrah apologized, admitting he could never forgive himself. Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed the mandatory life sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I hope she dies': life for controlling husband who stabbed wife 14 times and recorded her 'last throes'. Charges or matters: the murder of Zeinat Bashabsheh (42) at the same address on December 24, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 24, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 12 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas Eve Other
• Christmas Eve 2021 Other
• 2025-05-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report