Man killed partner in 'violent and vicious attack'

Raj Sidpara called 999 hours after Tarnjeet Riaz was already dead and claimed she had fallen over

A man who launched a vicious attack on his partner and later claimed she drunkenly fell has been convicted of murder.

Raj Sidpara, 50, had been at a party with Tarnjeet Riaz before he attacked her at his Leicester home on 6 May.

Ms Riaz, also known by her maiden name Chagger, suffered multiple broken ribs and had serious injuries to her face.

Sidpara had admitted manslaughter and denied intending to kill Ms Riaz, but on Friday at Leicester Crown Court, he was found guilty of murder.

The court heard Sidpara claimed he suffered from alcohol dependency - a recognised medical condition.

However, Leicestershire Police said the claim was disproved.

Ms Riaz's family said they had "no idea how bad things were"

The force said it had traced the couple's movements in the hours before Ms Riaz was found dead.

After a party at a venue in Lewisher Road in Leicester, the pair went back to Tarbat Road where they continued drinking and socialising with people from a neighbouring property.

Witnesses told officers they had heard an argument - believed to be between Ms Riaz and Sidpara - at about 01:00 BST.

It was not clear what time Ms Riaz was attacked but by the time the ambulance was called about 12 hours after the argument in the street, she was already dead.

During the trial, the jury heard Ms Riaz suffered broken ribs, bruising to her chest and face and had lacerations to her lips.

Police said forensics officers found a pair of Sidpara's trainers - believed to have been worn during the "violent and vicious attack" - which were stained with blood on the soles and top of the shoes.

The injuries and bruising to Ms Riaz's face were consistent with her being kicked and stamped on, the force said.

'No real answers'

Ms Riaz's brother, Balrag Chagger, said in a statement released by police that when he had to identify his sister, she was "unrecognisable".

He said his family would never come to terms with losing Ms Riaz - known to them as Taz - and that her death had "scarred" them.

"When she died, a part of us died, too," Mr Chagger said.

"She was the soul of our family, bringing warmth and light into every moment. Now, her absence has left only darkness."

He added: "We have been left with no real answers about what happened and why.

"Raj has never fully owned up to what he has done and has put us through the pain of having to listen to the evidence in court.

"There was no emotion and no remorse from Raj for his actions.

"To think my sister was in a relationship with this monstrous man and to think how he had treated her – all Taz ever wanted was to be loved."

Sidpara is due to be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on 29 November.