Judge delays sentencing of Rivka Holden’s killer

A judge at the Old Bailey has delayed sentencing a “sadistic” Romanian man who murdered a 55-year old Israeli prostitute in London so that he can consider all the evidence.

Judge Timothy Pontius adjourned until 24 October after hearing how Nicolae Patraucean, 21, strangled and mutilated Rivka Holden with a two-and-a-half inch Stanley knife blade in March this year.

“We would say it’s particularly serious on the grounds of sadism,” said prosecutor Timothy Cray, after describing how Holden suffered horrific wounds during the attack at her home in Colindale.

 In his defence, Patraucean’s lawyer suggested “an excessive intake of drink and drugs” was a contributing factor.

Julian Mann, of Kingsbury Synagogue, said: “She was very warm and would sometimes drop in for a chat. She talked in Hebrew with my son and asked which Rabbis she could go to for a blessing for her health.”