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Failed Southampton student jailed for 28 years for London murder
Overview
Deepak Sandhu, a 24-year-old former Southampton student, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison at the Old Bailey for the murder of 39-year-old Xiaoqing Ke. The court heard that Sandhu subjected the mother of two to a "sustained and brutal" knife attack at her West London Airbnb on 9 December, following a campaign of emotional manipulation, financial control, and theft after they met in 2025. Sandhu attempted to flee the country after the killing but was arrested on a coach bound for Birmingham Airport.
Key points
- Deepak Sandhu was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of Xiaoqing Ke.
- The murder involved a "significant degree of planning and premeditation," including Sandhu buying knives days prior.
- The victim, a 39-year-old mother of two, had wanted to end her relationship with Sandhu after he stole money from her and exerted financial control.
- Sandhu inflicted 38 wounds during the attack and subsequently attempted to flee to India before being arrested on a coach to Birmingham Airport.