A 50-year-old man received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for murdering his girlfriend in their East Midlands home. Raj Sidpara was convicted at Leicester Crown Court for the killing of 44-year-old Tarnjeet Riaz, also known as Tarnjeet Chagger.
The murder occurred on May 6 at Sidpara’s home on Tarbat Road. Emergency services found Riaz unresponsive with severe facial trauma and multiple broken ribs after Sidpara called them.
Sidpara initially admitted to manslaughter in October, claiming he caused the injuries but didn’t intend to kill Riaz. However, the court found him guilty of murder after hearing evidence of a sustained and brutal attack. Judge William Harbage, addressing Sidpara, stated: “What’s clear is that you attacked her in a savage and merciless way; you punched, kicked and stamped on her in a sustained attack.”
The court revealed that Sidpara has a history of violence, including 24 previous convictions for 46 offences, some involving threats and harassment against former partners. He was also diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts commented on the case: “Tarnjeet was killed at the hands of someone she was in a relationship with. Someone who should have supported and protected her, not someone she should have feared would brutally attack her.” She emphasized the importance of domestic abuse victims seeking help and support.
The sentencing coincided with Leicestershire Police’s participation in White Ribbon Day, a campaign focused on ending violence against women and girls.