Ten years for father who pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility

A Humberstone father has been jailed for 10 years after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

It was established that Kaushik Solanki, 55, was suffering from a recognised mental health condition, namely major depressive disorder.

Solanki was sentenced at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court – sitting as Leicester Crown Court – today (Friday 26 August) after admitting the offence on 8 July.

On 15 April last year, a call was made by a member of his family to Leicestershire Police, stating they were concerned for the welfare of Solanki and his wife, Manisha Solanki.

A short time later, a call was received from Norfolk Constabulary to say Solanki had been found seriously injured in Norfolk with life-threatening injuries.

Officers went to the family’s address in Tennis Court Drive and forced entry, where the body of Mrs Solanki was found.

On 17 April 2021, Solanki was arrested on suspicion of murder – but released on bail while he received medical care for several months afterwards. In December, following his release, he was charged with the murder of Manisha, 49.

However, during the investigation it was determined that Solanki was suffering from an abnormality of mental functioning which led to him taking his wife’s life. Therefore, a plea of manslaughter was accepted.

Detective Inspector Jenni Heggs, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s major crime team, said: “This has been a very long and distressing investigation for the Solanki family and my most sincere condolences are with them.

“Mrs Solanki’s death was the result of a tragic set of circumstances and I hope today’s hearing will provide a degree of closure to all those who knew and loved her and allow them to move on with their lives.”

• Further information about domestic abuse – including how to make a report and what support is available – can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
• Anyone needing mental health support for themselves or others can call The Central Access Point (CAP) on 0808 800 3302, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no eligibility criteria