Man denies murder of woman found on Old Brompton Road

Deepak Sandhu, 24, denies murdering Xiaoqing Ke, 39, but has admitted taking £500 from her. Ms Ke was discovered dead on Old Brompton Road on December 10 last year. Sandhu faces charges of murder and perverting the course of justice at the Old Bailey.

Accusations and Defence

Prosecutors allege that Sandhu travelled from Southampton to Earl's Court in west London, where he is accused of stabbing Ms Ke. The court heard that Sandhu told jurors he had gone to visit Ms Ke on December 9 last year. Upon arrival, he stated that Ms Ke was with another customer and asked him to wait. Sandhu reported waiting for a significant period before entering her bedsit, where he discovered blood. He told the court he became panicked and did not see Ms Ke or the other individual.

Sandhu, who came to the UK from India on a student visa to study AI, failed to complete his course and became an overstayer, the court was informed. He told the jury he had met Ms Ke at a brothel in Southampton and described their relationship as caring and friendly. He admitted to lying to Ms Ke about being an actor and model. He also admitted to taking £500 from her and sending a message to a brothel boss stating, "I’m going to take my revenge," though he denied intending to seek revenge.

Background to the Visit

The defendant told jurors that he had been experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts in the months leading up to Ms Ke's death, stemming from concerns about his visa status and employment. Sandhu stated that before travelling to London to see Ms Ke, he cut his hand with a knife due to desperation and worry that she would ask him for money.

Sandhu, whose address is listed as Newlands Avenue in Southampton, denies murder and perverting the course of justice. The trial at the Old Bailey is ongoing.