A man has been sentenced to 29 years in jail for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend in South Ealing in May 2022. 

Dennis Akpomedaye stabbed his former girlfriend at around 12.10am on Tuesday 17th May 2022 having spent the previous two days tracking her movements. 

Anna Jedrkowiak, 21, had finished work and was walking home with a friend when she was the victim of a premeditated attack by Akpomedaye. 

Anna's family paid tribute to her by saying: "Ania was such a kind, gentle soul: she would never hurt anyone or be mean in any way. 

"She was thoughtful and loving, and everyone who met her fell in love with her. She was brilliantly gifted, especially in music and art, but also so determined and hardworking - she would have gone on to succeed in anything she did. 

"She was very smart, tenacious and ambitious, but also very humble. 

"She was destined for great things." 

After his arrest, further investigation also brought to light the obsessive nature of Akpomedaye's actions and revealed a man who was in debt, without a job and unable to accept the end of a relationship. 

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, the senior investigating officer, said: "Anna's life was taken by someone who is cowardly but extremely dangerous. 

"Anna was scared of him and attempted to end the relationship. When she did this, he said to her "We will be together no matter what … I will find you". 

"She had moved away to start what should have been an exciting new life in London but now will never be able to fulfil that promise, and her family will never see her again. 

"It was moving that so many of her family, university and work friends attended a vigil in her honour during the trial. 

"My thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Anna, both in the UK and in Poland, who will never get over the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. 

"Even in the context of a murder investigation, the ferocity with which she was attacked was extreme, and this individual belongs in prison where he cannot harm another woman."