A father given a life sentence with a recommendation that he serve a minimum of 13 years jail for murdering his wife is to have his sentence reviewed after new evidence was uncovered.

Mohammed Rashid admitted killing Sughra Rani with two kitchen knives and a chapatti pan while their children were sleeping upstairs at the family home in Mold Crescent, Banbury, after discovering she was having an affair.

But Judge Julian Hall has ordered the case should be returned to court so he can review the sentence following new information.

The so-called ‘Slip Rule’ allows courts to change or review a sentence within 56 days of the original decision if new evidence can be presented.

Investigating officer Det Chief Insp Colin Seaton, of Thames Valley Police’s major crimes unit, said: “Mohammed Rashid was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on January 8 to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 13 years after he pleaded guilty to murdering his wife.

“Sughra Rani was found dead at their home in Mold Crescent, Banbury on September 16, 2008. There is information which might affect the original 13 year tariff that the judge will consider.”

The new evidence will be heard at a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, February 27.

Sentencing in January at his trial at Oxford Crown Court heard following the murder, Rashid tried to clean up the blood from the house before hiding the body under a duvet behind a sofa.

He dropped his children off at his father’s house the following morning before walking into Banbury police station and confessing to the crime.

John Price, prosecuting, told the court: “He said ‘This is the key to my house. Go in and you will find my wife dead in there. I have killed her’.”

After sentencing, Mrs Rashid was described by her family as a wonderful mother who was greatly missed by her children.

The couple, originally from Pakistan, were first cousins who married about 12 years ago.

The court heard the marriage was strained due to financial problems and Mrs Rashid had embarked on an affair with a younger man six months before the murder.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk