Understand
Man found guilty of murdering woman in Earl's Court flat after she discovered he stole from her
Overview
Deepak Sandhu, a 24-year-old university dropout and thief, has been found guilty at the Old Bailey of murdering 39-year-old Xiaoqing Ke in a brutal revenge attack at an Airbnb in Old Brompton Road, Earl's Court. The relationship deteriorated after Ke discovered Sandhu had stolen £500 from her, demanded her money back, and rejected him. Sandhu purchased knives, travelled to her flat on 10 December, and killed her before attempting to flee the country. He was arrested on a coach heading for Birmingham airport and remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
Key points
- Deepak Sandhu was found guilty of murdering Xiaoqing Ke and perverting the course of justice.
- The attack took place at an Airbnb flat on Old Brompton Road in Earl's Court, west London, on 10 December.
- The relationship broke down after the victim discovered Sandhu had stolen £500 from her handbag and demanded it back.
- The prosecution described Sandhu as an obsessed fantasist who could not accept rejection.
- Sandhu purchased a set of knives in Asda, went to the victim's flat, and killed her within 90 minutes.
- Neighbours raised the alarm after spotting bloodstains, and police discovered the victim's body on her bedroom floor.
- Sandhu attempted to flee the country by booking a one-way flight to Mumbai and changing his phone's SIM card, but was arrested on a coach heading to Birmingham airport.
