BIRMINGHAM, England — A man serving time for murder will now face a longer prison sentence after he killed his cellmate while awaiting trial. Vitalie Tanga, 41, received an extension that sets his minimum term at 32 years and six months due to a violent altercation that occurred in September 2022, escalating his initial sentence by two and a half years.
Tanga was awaiting trial for the murder of Alfred Mattox when he attacked his cellmate, Tajinder Kular, at HMP Birmingham. On the day of the incident, Kular was discovered unconscious following the assault and was promptly taken to a medical facility within the prison. Unfortunately, he failed to regain consciousness and died the following day. A post-mortem examination revealed ligature marks on Kular’s neck, along with trauma to his face and broken bones in his neck.
The British legal system took notice of Tanga’s violent actions, leading to a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. This week, prosecutors successfully argued for a more stringent sentence, citing Tanga’s ongoing threat to public safety.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves emphasized the severity of Tanga’s crimes and his lack of remorse. She noted that Tanga is “a violent man, who murdered two men in brutal attacks,” highlighting the necessity for an extended sentence that reflects the gravity of his actions. Reeves expressed satisfaction with the Court’s decision, which she deemed appropriate.
Tanga, originally from Moldova, had already faced conviction for the murder of Mattox in April 2022. During that trial, he claimed that Mattox made an inappropriate advance toward him at a party. However, police and investigators concluded that Tanga harbored deep-seated issues related to Mattox’s sexuality, which contributed to the fatality of the attack.
In May 2021, Mattox, 56, sustained grave injuries to his head and face in an incident that left him hospitalized for two weeks before succumbing to his wounds. Detectives remarked on the disturbing nature of the crime, stating that Tanga exhibited a clear animosity fueled by prejudice.
The extension of Tanga’s sentence reiterates the legal system’s commitment to protecting the public from violent offenders and underscores the serious consequences of such brutal acts. As Tanga serves his time, the case remains a reminder of the complexities surrounding violence and prejudice in society.