Hockey coach Mohamed Samak, 43, was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison for the murder of his wife Joanne Samak, 49, after initially claiming she had taken her own life. The chilling case is the first to be featured in the new series of the BBC documentary Murder 24/7, airing tonight (Tuesday, July 21) on BBC One at 9pm. The programme follows West Mercia Police as it investigates major crimes.
The 999 Call and Immediate Aftermath
In the early hours of July 1, 2024, Samak called emergency services at 4:10am, telling the call handler: "My wife's got a knife in her tummy." He claimed he had woken up at 3am to find Joanne stabbing herself at their home in Chestnut Spinney, Droitwich Spa. However, neighbours reported hearing a 10-second scream more than an hour before Samak made the call.
Joanne, an interior designer, suffered six stab wounds to her chest and stomach, ranging from 2.5cm to 10cm deep. Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene. Samak later admitted he had lied about being woken by her screams, saying he panicked and feared being blamed. He also confessed he did not attempt CPR despite being trained and asked to do so by the 999 call handler.
The Couple's Relationship
The court heard that Samak, a former Egyptian international hockey player and coach, met Joanne in 2011 while working at a hotel in Taba, Egypt. They married in 2014 and settled in Worcestershire. However, by the time of her death, their 10-year marriage was in turmoil. The couple faced financial difficulties, slept in separate bedrooms, and Joanne had confided in a friend that she no longer loved her husband and wished she could divorce him.
Samak had also rekindled contact with a woman from France, whom he had met in 2009. He met her in London and kissed her, but did not tell his wife. The prosecution argued that Samak could not cope with Joanne's emotional withdrawal and her role as the main breadwinner.
Chilling Motive and Conviction
Judge James Burbidge KC, sentencing Samak at Worcester Crown Court, said: "When Jo drew away from you, falling out of love with you, that was something you couldn't emotionally cope with. With her being the main breadwinner, you couldn't emotionally cope with that. Perhaps she had told you she did not love you. She would not have left you and that you well knew. You became blinded by your needs and own self-worth, not supported by your wife by your own perception. You have destroyed a family."
Samak's conviction was secured after Joanne's blood was found on clothing he had hidden in the loft. He was found guilty of murder in October 2025 following a retrial. The judge ordered him to serve a minimum of 21 years in prison, less the 483 days already served on remand, before he can be considered for parole.
Public and Media Impact
The case has drawn widespread attention, not only for its brutality but also for its inclusion in the BBC documentary series Murder 24/7, which provides an inside look at West Mercia Police's major investigations. The episode airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One and will be available on BBC iPlayer.
