Polish Butcher Found Guilty of Murdering Ex-Girlfriend in Brutal Cold Case
Anna Podedworna, a 40-year-old Polish turkey butcher, has been convicted of murdering her ex-girlfriend, Izabela Zablocka, in a horrific crime that occurred more than 15 years ago. The verdict was delivered at Derby Crown Court, where the court heard gruesome details of the killing and subsequent disposal of the victim's body.
Gruesome Details of the Murder and Burial
Prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC revealed that Podedworna killed Ms. Zablocka, a 30-year-old mother of one, before using a kitchen knife to cut her body in half. She then trussed the remains "like a chicken" with electrical tape and placed them in bin bags. The body was buried in a "filthy, makeshift grave" under concrete hardstanding in the garden of a terraced house on Princes Street in Normanton, Derby.
The couple had moved to the UK from Poland together and shared the property where the burial took place. Ms. Zablocka lost contact with her family in August 2010 and was reported missing to the police, but the case remained unsolved for years.
Break in the Case After Years of Silence
The investigation saw a major breakthrough last year when Podedworna, under "mounting pressure," cracked and emailed the police. This occurred after a Polish television journalist flew to the UK to interview her, prompting her to come forward. In June, officers excavated the garden and discovered Ms. Zablocka's remains, leading to Podedworna's arrest and subsequent trial.
The court heard that the defendant's actions were driven by intense emotional strain, culminating in the violent attack and elaborate concealment of the crime. The discovery of the body provided crucial evidence that secured the guilty verdict.
Sentencing and Ongoing Developments
Anna Podedworna is scheduled to be sentenced at Derby Crown Court on Wednesday. This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in solving cold cases and bringing perpetrators to justice, even after many years. The community in Derby has been shocked by the brutal nature of the crime, and authorities continue to investigate any further details as this remains a developing story.
