The couple’s 12-year-old son was sleeping over at his grandmother’s house when Pandilovski visited their former family home in Melbourne’s northeast on July 14, 2020.
“At 9.25am you drive away, by which time Elaine was dead having been choked to death by you,” Justice Christopher Beale told the court on Wednesday.
He said Pandilovski choked Elaine for “tens of seconds” and then moved her body to a storage room inside the basement of the home.
Pandilovski claimed this was to ensure their son, who has autism, did not arrive home to find his mother’s lifeless body.
He got into his car and drove down the Western Ring Road and collided with another car, injuring two people.
“Remarkably no one was killed,” Justice Beale said.
When Elaine did not show up for work, concerned colleagues went to her house and then her mother’s, but no one could find her.
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Police located her later that evening in the basement.
Beale jailed Pandilovski for up to 24 years and he must serve at least 17 years before he will be eligible for parole.
He has already served about three years of that sentence.
“The way she died would’ve been terrifying,” the judge said.
Pandilovski’s eyes watered and he grabbed a tissue as he was escorted out of the court dock by custody officers.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
