A man who murdered his former girlfriend at a property in Earls Court after she ended their relationship has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 28 years. Deepak Sandhu was also convicted of perverting the course of justice after attempting to flee the country.
A 24-year-old man who murdered his former girlfriend in West London before attempting to escape to India has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 28 years.
Deepak Sandhu, from Southampton, was found guilty of murdering 39-year-old Xiaoqing Ke at a property on Old Brompton Road in Earls Court on 9 December 2025.
He was also convicted of perverting the course of justice.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Sandhu received a life sentence following his trial, with a minimum term of 28 years before he can be considered for release.
Relationship ended after victim discovered lies
The court heard that Sandhu and Ms Ke had been in a short relationship during which he had fabricated an elaborate identity, claiming to be a model and actor.
Ms Ke ended the relationship in August 2025 after discovering that Sandhu had lied to her and stolen money from her.
However, Sandhu continued attempting to contact her.
Digital evidence presented during the trial showed that he had expressed anger about the separation and told one of Ms Ke's colleagues that he would seek revenge.
He also sent messages suggesting he would become increasingly hostile towards her.
Lured victim into meeting
Prosecutors established that Sandhu eventually persuaded Ms Ke to meet him by promising to repay the money he had taken and claiming he could assist with her citizenship applications.
On 9 December 2025, Sandhu travelled by coach from Southampton to London, carrying a knife he had purchased several days earlier.
CCTV footage showed him approaching Ms Ke's property, while video doorbell recordings captured her allowing him inside.
He remained at the property for approximately 90 minutes.
Prosecutors said nobody else was recorded entering or leaving the property before police discovered Ms Ke's body the following day.
Attempted to escape to India
Following the murder, Sandhu contacted his sister in India and falsely claimed that he had witnessed another man killing Ms Ke.
He then returned to Southampton and began making arrangements to leave the United Kingdom.
Sandhu booked a one-way flight from Birmingham to Mumbai and changed the SIM card in his mobile phone in an attempt to avoid detection.
However, Metropolitan Police officers arrested him on 12 December while he was travelling by coach from Southampton towards Birmingham Airport.
Evidence secured murder conviction
The CPS Homicide Unit in London built its prosecution using forensic evidence, CCTV footage, phone records and witness statements.
The evidence helped establish Sandhu's movements, his communications with Ms Ke and his actions following her death.
Despite denying responsibility, Sandhu was convicted of murder and perverting the course of justice.
CPS condemns violence against women
Shikha Varma, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said Sandhu had reacted violently after Ms Ke discovered his dishonesty and ended their relationship.
She said:
"Xiaoqing Ke saw through Deepak Sandhu's many lies and, when she rejected him and ended their relationship, he reacted by taking her life in a calculated and brutal attack."
Ms Varma said prosecutors had successfully presented extensive evidence of Sandhu's anger towards Ms Ke and his presence at the property.
She added that the CPS remained committed to ensuring perpetrators of violence against women and girls were prosecuted and brought to justice.
Expressing sympathy for Ms Ke's family and friends, she said she hoped the conviction and sentence would bring them some measure of justice.
Sandhu must serve at least 28 years in prison before becoming eligible for consideration for parole. Release at that point is not automatic.
Source: Crown Prosecution Service – London Homicide Unit, sentencing statement.
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