Rahul Sharma

Rahul Sharma, a 32-year-old man from Wolverhampton, was convicted of rape and murder following a brutal attack on Helen Kempster, a 44-year-old sex worker, near a park in Wolverhampton. The incident occurred when Sharma met Kempster and demanded specific acts, which she refused. Enraged, he told her she was 'going to die' as he subjected her to severe violence, including blows, kicks, stamps, and snapping her wrist when she would not return his cash. Kempster suffered a lost tooth, broken ribs, and a brain haemorrhage, leading to her death in hospital.

Sharma attempted to cover his tracks by concocting a false story that he had found her after she took a drug overdose. The court heard evidence detailing the savage nature of the assault, with prosecutors emphasising Sharma's intent to kill. According to reports from West Midlands Police and court proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Sharma's actions were premeditated and driven by frustration. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years in 2025.

Key Details:

• Victim's Injuries: Broken wrist, lost tooth, broken ribs, brain haemorrhage.
• Sharma's Defence: Claimed discovery after overdose, disproven by evidence.
• Sentence: Life with 28-year minimum, ensuring long-term incarceration.

This case highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals in society, as covered in Birmingham Live's roundup of serious crimes in the West Midlands.