Man jailed for 28 years for Old Brompton Road murder
Deepak Sandhu was sentenced at the Old Bailey for killing Xiaoqing Ke in December 2025.
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Deepak Sandhu has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of Xiaoqing Ke. The 24-year-old Indian national was found guilty at the Old Bailey and sentenced by Judge Philip Katz.
Background to the murder
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A jury convicted the 24-year-old of killing Xiaoqing Ke after their relationship ended.
The court heard that Sandhu met Ms Ke, a 39-year-old Chinese national, in 2025 when she was working in a brothel in Southampton. Prosecutors described their relationship as having "a relationship of sorts" which soured after Sandhu stole money from her. Ms Ke had moved to a rented Airbnb flat on Old Brompton Road in West London, where Sandhu murdered her on 9 December 2025. The prosecution stated the killing involved a significant degree of planning and premeditation, with Sandhu purchasing knives days before travelling to London. He had also engaged in a campaign of emotional manipulation, including theft, financial control, and taking her mobile phone and passport.
Caroline Carberry KC, prosecuting, told the jury that Sandhu had made increasingly desperate attempts to repair the relationship after his dishonesty. He reportedly told a former employer of Ms Ke that she would regret what she had done. Sandhu sent Ms Ke a video showing fake banknotes, promising to return the money he had stolen. He arrived at her flat on the evening of 9 December 2025, having altered his appearance with a scarf and baseball cap. Ring doorbell footage captured his arrival and departure.
Attempted flight and arrest
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Following the murder, Sandhu changed his phone's SIM card and sent a voice message to his sister claiming he had witnessed Ms Ke being murdered by a professional. He then attempted to flee the country by booking a flight to Mumbai. However, police had been alerted by neighbours who discovered Ms Ke's body. Sandhu was arrested on a National Express coach travelling towards Birmingham Airport.
Sandhu, who had been studying IT at Southampton Solent University but was dismissed for poor attendance, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice. His visa had been revoked, and he was working as a casual labourer. The court heard that Ms Ke was a mother of two teenage children.
Shikha Varma of the Crown Prosecution Service stated their commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of violence against women and girls. Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley of the Metropolitan Police added that vital evidence showed Sandhu had become fixated on Ms Ke and subjected her to controlling and abusive messages before the murder.
Questions this report answers
+When and where did the murder take place?
The murder of Xiaoqing Ke occurred on 9 December 2025 at an Airbnb flat located on Old Brompton Road in West London. The incident took place after Deepak Sandhu had stolen money from Ms Ke and their relationship had deteriorated.
+What was Deepak Sandhu's sentence?
Deepak Sandhu was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of Xiaoqing Ke. He was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey.
+How was Deepak Sandhu apprehended?
Deepak Sandhu was arrested on a National Express coach travelling to Birmingham Airport. He was attempting to flee the country to Mumbai shortly after committing the murder.
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