Man Jailed for Life After Brutally Killing Partner in Leicester

A man with a history of violence against women has been sentenced to life in prison after brutally attacking his partner, leaving her to die in the bedroom before going to bed.

Raj Sidpara, 50, was convicted of murder after punching, kicking, and stamping on 44-year-old Tarnjeet Riaz in their Leicester home on May 5.

Ms Riaz was described as the ‘soul’ of her family (Picture: Leicestershire Police /PA Wire)

The court heard how Sidpara attacked Ms Riaz after the couple returned home from a night out. He inflicted 64 injuries to her face, head, and chest, including multiple rib fractures and a brain injury. After the assault, Sidpara calmly removed his bloody shoes, went to bed next to her, and fell asleep, leaving her to die.

The next day, Sidpara called emergency services and claimed Ms. Riaz had fallen over while drunk. Despite performing CPR, it was too late, and Ms Riaz was already cold and stiff when paramedics arrived.

Sidpara’s violent past includes previous convictions for domestic violence, including threats to kill a former partner. Prosecutors highlighted the severity of his attack, with one injury to Ms Riaz’s lip being described as a tear away from the jaw.

Sidpara has been jailed (Picture: Leicestershire Police/PA Wire)

Sidpara was diagnosed with alcohol dependence, and his defence lawyer, Sarah Vine KC, suggested his excessive intoxication played a role in the violence. However, Judge William Harbage KC rejected this as an excuse, stating that Sidpara was capable of driving home after the attack and had no significant memory loss.

Addressing Sidpara in court, Judge Harbage said: “You attacked her savagely and mercilessly. Your conspicuous lack of remorse at any stage is quite remarkable.”

Ms Riaz’s brother, Balraj Chagger, paid a heartfelt tribute to his sister, calling her the “soul” of their family. He described Sidpara’s actions as “disgusting” and stated, “If it were not Tarnjeet, it would have been someone else.”

Sidpara admitted to manslaughter but was convicted of murder and was handed a minimum of 21 years in prison. Ms. Riaz’s family remains devastated by the violent loss of a beloved sister and daughter.