Nathaniel Brown found guilty of murdering Zandra Maxwell-Nelson in front of their two children

Mother-of-two from Harlesden was stabbed 20 times by ex-husband as young sons looked on

A man has been found guilty of murdering his ex-wife by stabbing her 20 times in front of their two young sons.

Zandra Maxwell-Nelson, of Nicoll Road, Harlesden, died after 27-year-old Nathaniel Brown carried out his frenzied attack in Tottenham, north London, on April 20 last year.

The 24-year-old desperately tried to flee from Brown by running into a parked car but he continued to stab her.

Witnesses told the court after the attack he dropped the knife, calmly removed his bloodstained shirt, and walked away from the scene.

She had been separated from Brown for more than a year when they bumped into each other after she had been visiting his sister at her home in Tottenham on the fateful day.

During his Old Bailey trial, Brown denied murder claiming he had no memory of the incident instead admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

However, forensic psychiatrist Dr Paul Chesterman told the court that although Brown was severely depressed he was not mentally ill at the time.

Detective Sergeant Ash Hornsby, investigating officer, said: “Brown has never explained his actions that day, instead seeking to rely on the defences of diminished responsibility and loss of control.

“The conviction of Brown for murder will undoubtedly provide a sense of justice for Zandra’s family but it will never replace Zandra herself.

“It is hoped they can now start to move forward with their lives and, at the right time, look to the future.”

Brown will be sentenced on Friday.