Andrew Parsons to serve minimum of 20 years

Andrew Parsons has been jailed for the murder of his wife Janee

Parsons, 38, stabbed his 31-year-old wife 17 times at their Bicester home on December 1 last year.

The footballer, who played for Banbury side Easington Sports, had denied murder but the jury, which had been deliberating since just after 11.30am yesterday, returned a unanimous guilty verdict this afternoon.

Parsons bowed his head as the judge summed up the case and his sentence was read out at Oxford Crown Court.

He began to cry as he was led away from the dock.

Judge His Honour Patrick Eccles QC said there had been several aggravating features, including the use of a knife, and the length of time that had elapsed before Parsons called emergency services to the home in Lucerne Avenue.

Judge Eccles said Parsons was in a “jealous rage” when he stabbed his petite American-born beautician wife after she told him she wanted to divorce and start a new life with another man.