Brutal Cellmate Murder Leads to Sentence Review
A double murderer has seen his prison term significantly increased after judges ruled his original punishment was unduly lenient. Vitalie Tanga, a 41-year-old Moldovan national with schizophrenia, will now serve one of the longest minimum terms handed out in the West Midlands this year.
The Court of Appeal this week added five years to Tanga's minimum sentence, bringing it to 32 years and six months before he can be considered for parole. The decision came after Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP referred the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Violent History of Attacks
Tanga's violent spree began in May 2021 when he murdered 56-year-old Alfred Mattox in Wolverhampton. The court heard how Tanga had been drinking vodka at Mr Mattox's flat alongside the victim's boyfriend and another friend.
The situation turned deadly when Tanga launched into a brutal homophobic attack, delivering at least three blows to Mr Mattox's head, believed to be inflicted by kicking. Tanga later claimed the victim made a pass at him so he 'had to show him he was a man'.
Initially arrested only on suspicion of assault, Tanga wasn't immediately charged with murder as Mr Mattox didn't die from his injuries until approximately two weeks later.
Prison Murder While Under Investigation
While still under investigation for Mr Mattox's killing, Tanga committed another violent offence in August 2022, reportedly punching a man in the face while he sat on a bench. This led to him being remanded in custody at HMP Birmingham.
Tragically, on September 30, 2022, just one day after being moved into a cell with Tajinder Kular on K Wing, Tanga strangled his 41-year-old cellmate to death using a kettle cord. The two men had allegedly argued over vapes before the fatal confrontation.
Mr Kular never regained consciousness and died in hospital three weeks after the attack.
Justice Served After Legal Challenge
Tanga was subsequently found guilty of both murders and initially sentenced to life with a minimum term of 27 years and six months. However, this punishment was deemed insufficient given the brutality of his crimes.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP stated: "Vitalie Tanga is a violent man, who murdered two men in brutal attacks. He has not taken any responsibility for his actions and I welcome the court's decision to extend his sentence after he killed his cell mate, keeping this dangerous offender off our streets and keeping our communities safe."
During Tanga's sentencing for Mr Kular's murder at Birmingham Crown Court in July this year, Justice Tipples considered whether he should receive a rare whole life order. However, she concluded the case didn't meet the criteria because Tanga hadn't been convicted of Mr Mattox's murder when he killed his cellmate.
The increased sentence means Tanga will now serve one of the longest terms in the region this year, with most killers typically receiving less than 30 years.
