British Man on Trial in Italy for Stabbing Partner to Death

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Michael Whitbread, a 75-year-old British man, is currently on trial in Lanciano, Italy, for the murder of his partner, 66-year-old Michele Faiers. The incident occurred in October 2023, while the couple was living in a renovated cottage in the village of Verratti, Abruzzo.

Whitbread admitted to the court that he stabbed Faiers during a violent confrontation, following a series of accusations regarding infidelity. He stated that Faiers had confronted him after accusing him of cheating, which she claimed stemmed from an incident at a party in 2022.

On the night of the stabbing, Whitbread described how Faiers awoke him, attacking him and expressing a wish for his death. In a moment of panic, he took a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Faiers, though he couldn’t recall the exact number of times he struck her. Faiers was later found by police with seven stab wounds in their home.

After fleeing the scene back to the UK, Whitbread was extradited to Italy following a tip-off from his daughter. The trial is ongoing, with Whitbread’s mental state under scrutiny as the judge has ordered a psychological assessment.

Faiers’s three adult daughters were present at the hearing, supporting each other as Whitbread recounted the events. Their lawyer expressed that Whitbread’s admission of guilt was a significant moment for the family, who are seeking closure from the tragic incident.

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