The senior detective in a 'pre-meditated' and 'sustained' wife murder case has spoken outside court after the 29-year-old killer has been imprisoned for life.

Mihai Hurmuz-Irimia, aged 29, of Blue Mountains, Wallingford, was convicted by unanimous jury verdict of one count of murder after a seven-day trial that concluded at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday.

Returning to the same court for sentencing, Hurmuz-Irimia was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for murdering his wife Katie Hurmuz-Irimia at their home last year.

READ MORE: Wallingford murderer sentenced for life imprisonment

Senior investigating officer DCI Jon Capps, of the Major Crime Unit, said: "In the early hours of Tuesday, August 30, this defendant attacked and killed his wife using horrific levels of violence. 

"This was a pre-meditated and fuelled by cocaine as Katie lay defenceless in bed. 

"After killing Katie we believe he showered and watched television before calmly calling police to report what he had done. 

"That call was all about him. A self-serving attempt to gain sympathy and to portray himself in a better light.

"He subsequently gave no accounts in his police interview or at trial leaving Katie's family searching for answers." 

Answering questions of reporters outside court, Mr Capps said that the police action surrounding earlier police call-outs to the couple's home would be considered as part of a domestic homicide review.

Mr Capps added: "Katie was a much-loved mum, daughter and sister, aunty and friend who was well-liked in the community in which she lived.

"We have tried to give Katie a voice in this process and establish the truth about what happened.

"Her family is still coming to terms with what happened. They have sat through the trial to be there for Katie. In doing so hearing distressing evidence which no family should have to endure."

The detective thanked her family for 'putting their faith in the investigation team' and described it as 'privilege' to work with them to bring the killer to justice. 

Oxford Mail: DCI Jon Capps outside Oxford Crown Court following the sentencing Picture: Oxford Mail

Mr Capps added: "It is very clear to me that Katie was much loved by so many family and friends; our priority has always been obtaining justice for all of them, giving Katie a voice and establishing the truth about what happened.

“I know Katie is very much missed. I hope that this outcome brings some comfort and the life imprisonment sentence reflects the gravity of this appalling crime."