An immigration solicitor was jailed for life today for beating his wife to death.

Mohammed Rahman, 32, was told he would have to serve at least 18 years for murdering Jasmin Chowdhury, 32, at their home last December.

She had been subjected to domestic violence by Rahman who was having an affair with another woman, the Old Bailey heard.

Judge Timothy Pontius told Rahman: “I have no doubt that you treated Jasmin violently, both verbally and physically, on a regular basis.

”You are a man who habitually tends to lose his temper, particularly with women with whom you are involved.”

The judge added: “You are undoubtedly an intelligent and educated man.”

Jeremy Benson QC, for Rahman, said: “He has had to work really hard to be a solicitor. He has now thrown that away.”

The court heard that after assaulting his wife, Rahman texted her sister telling her to remove her “dead body from my flat”.

Minutes later he sent a further text saying: “Get her out of my flat now before I kick the crap out of her”.

Rahman, who worked at the Tower Hamlet Law Centre, killed his wife a day after her birthday and following years of violence and his infidelity, the court heard.

Concerned family members and police went to the flat in Cassilis Road, Isle of Dogs, east London, after receiving the texts.

Gareth Patterson, prosecuting, said: “Jasmin was indeed found inside, what can only be described as in a half-dead state.

”She had been left in bed. She was unconscious. Although still breathing it was with difficulty.”

She died three days later in hospital from a brain injury.

The couple met when they were both working at a supermarket in 1999, but the relationship turned abusive.

Mr Patterson said: “Her husband was unfaithful to her and Jasmin confided her unhappiness of her marriage to a number of people.

”She also disclosed the defendant had been violent towards her over a period of years. Finally it was that violence that was ongoing in the relationship that led to her death.”

After marrying in a religious ceremony, Rahman qualified as a solicitor and his wife worked in the NHS.

Other friends and family saw her finger had been broken, she was often left with black eyes and bruises to her back and shoulders, but she did not contact police.

When arrested Rahman denied causing the fatal injuries claiming his wife was “emotionally unstable” and would self-harm.

Outside court, Acting Detective Chief Inspector John Nicholson said: “Rahman is a violent man and it is clear his wife had suffered at his hands before.

”We would urge anyone suffering from domestic violence to get in touch with police.

”We take all cases extremely seriously and this tragic murder shows just what can happen if matters escalate.”

Mrs Chowdhury’s family said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our sister.

”Jasmin was a kind, caring, thoughtful, selfless and beautiful person.”