RAJ SIDPARA'S BRUTAL MURDER IN LEICESTER: A LIFE SENTENCE FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

A man with a long history of violence towards women has been sentenced to life imprisonment after committing a brutal and unprovoked attack on his partner in Leicester. Raj Sidpara, aged 50, was found guilty of causing the death of Tarnjeet Riaz, 44, following a violent assault that culminated in her tragic demise.

According to court proceedings, the incident took place after Sidpara and Ms. Riaz had spent the evening together on May 5. The couple had been living together in Leicester for approximately five months at the time. After returning home from their night out, Sidpara launched a savage assault on Ms. Riaz within the confined space of their bedroom. Witnesses and evidence presented in Leicester Crown Court revealed that Sidpara punched, kicked, and stamped on his partner with relentless brutality.

Following the attack, Sidpara reportedly removed his bloody shoes, then proceeded to lie down beside Ms. Riaz, who was severely injured. He then fell asleep, leaving her in a critical state. The next morning, he contacted emergency services, but despite their efforts, resuscitation attempts failed. Paramedics found Ms. Riaz already cold and stiff, indicating she had died overnight.

Prosecutor Steven Bailey detailed the extent of her injuries, which included 64 separate injuries to her face, head, and chest. These injuries comprised extensive bruising, a traumatic brain injury, and fractures to 20 ribs. The attack was so severe that Ms. Riaz’s lip was torn away from her jaw, a detail emphasized during the trial. Bailey also highlighted that Sidpara’s previous convictions demonstrated a pattern of domestic violence, including threats to kill a former partner and acts of battery.

Sidpara’s history of alcohol dependence was also noted, with the court hearing that his intoxication played a significant role in the violence. His defense lawyer, Sarah Vine KC, argued that his excessive drunkenness was a key factor in the assault, suggesting it was a moment of uncontrollable rage.

Judge William Harbage KC addressed the court, condemning Sidpara’s actions as savage and merciless. He pointed out that Sidpara attempted to hide behind a false claim of amnesia regarding the incident and noted his apparent lack of remorse. The judge observed that Sidpara was visibly intoxicated and unsteady during the attack, and he was irritated by Ms. Riaz’s drunkenness, as evidenced by his behavior, including blowing smoke from his vape into her face.

Although Sidpara admitted to manslaughter, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to a minimum term of 21 years in prison. The tragic case has left Ms. Riaz’s family devastated. Her brother, Balraj Chagger, described her as the ‘soul’ of their family in a heartfelt tribute read aloud in court. He expressed profound grief and anger, stating, ‘We will never know how this disgusting man took enjoyment from doing this to people and to Tarnjeet. If it was not Tarnjeet, it would have been someone else. This man took pleasure hurting someone weaker than himself, a vulnerable woman, one of many he has hurt before.’

Ms. Riaz’s family and friends are left to mourn her loss, which was caused by what the court described as a vile and inexcusable act of violence. Her brother’s words underscore the tragic impact of domestic violence and the importance of justice for victims like Tarnjeet Riaz.