Today, Judge Bayliss QC gave him a life sentence with a minimum of nine years, telling him he will go to jail after serving a hospital order.

The judge told Rodi: “The victim of this terrible crime is Angela Ryder.

“She is you ex-wife and someone who I do not doubt you loved.

“Her family will miss her greatly – their loss is unimaginable.

“She was a generous and strong independent woman who could stick up for herself – she was an amazing daughter.

“The picture is one of a controlling and coercive relationship with occasional acts of violence.

“After what you did in Greece your relationship broke down – what is surprising is that you two got back together.

“You do not accept that your intention was to cause serious harm or kill her – I am quite sure you intended to kill her.

“It was not premeditated and I have no doubt you regretted it afterwards.”

Judge Bayliss QC said Rodi’s illness had played a “significant contributory role” in Angela’s death.

He said it was Rodi’s fault he had stopped taking his medication and the consequences had been “catastrophic”.

Reading a statement out to the court today, Angela’s sister Tracy Mills sobbed as she told how Rodi had “stolen her future”.

“She told me (Rodi) was a slob – I never understood why she stayed with him.

“Angela was always a strong character but I remember a change in her character and coming back from Greece with (Rodi).

“She lacked confidence and even her dress sense had changed – her character was always more controlled around Rodi.”I feel like half of me is gone – my best friend has been taken from me.

“I will never get over the loss of my baby sister – she must have suffered before her death and I will never get that out of my mind.”

Judge Bayliss QC sentenced Rodi to nine years and 114 days.

He was made the subject of a hospital order at Newton Lodge medium secure unit in West Yorkshire and will serve the remainder of his time in prison after his release.

As Rodi was led away from the dock he showed no emotion.