A 35-year-old man who murdered a mother-of-two in Thatcham could spend more time in jail, reports indicate.

Christopher Joseph Minards, of no fixed abode, stabbed 43-year-old Emma McArthur on April 1, who died the next day.

His sentence, 16 years and two months behind bars, has been referred to the Court of Appeal by the solicitor general for appearing ‘unduly lenient’, according to a report by the BBC.

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The court will hold a hearing to determine whether his sentence should be longer in December.

Minards attacked Ms McArthur, whom he knew, at the junction of Crookham Hill and Burys Bank Road.

“No words can express the sadness and feelings we have as a family at the loss of Emma,” her family wrote in a tribute at the time of Minards’ sentencing.

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“Emma touched so many lives and she leaves us all with good memories that we hope will carry us through the tough times ahead.”

Minards was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for possession of a bladed article, which runs concurrently to his murder sentence