Wolverhampton, UK – A local man was condemned to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 28 years, after being found guilty of the rape and murder of a woman in Wolverhampton city center. The verdict concluded a harrowing case that captured the community’s attention due to its brutality.
Rahul Sharma was sentenced in Wolverhampton Crown Court for the attack on Helen Kempster, which occurred in the early hours of June 16, 2022. Despite his denials, extensive forensic evidence linked him to the crime. Sharma had initially misled police, claiming he discovered Kempster non-responsive and had attempted to administer CPR.
The investigation revealed a starkly different scenario. Sharma assaulted Kempster on a secluded grassland off Kingsland Road. The assault was not only prolonged but extraordinarily violent, consisting of beating, kicking, and strangling. Disturbingly, Sharma also raped her during the assault and verbally tormented her, stating she would die. Kempster sustained fatal injuries, including a brain hemorrhage and multiple broken ribs—over 15 in total. One of her teeth was also forcefully dislodged due to the savage beating.
A post-mortem examination outlined the severe nature of the physical abuse Kempster, known to work as a sex worker, had suffered. These findings played a crucial role in the trial, showcasing the extent of violence inflicted upon her.
The lengthy legal process culminated in a three-week trial, where Sharma was convicted of both murder and rape. The presiding judge, His Honour Judge Michael Chambers, described Sharma as “extremely dangerous,” a sentiment echoed by the severe sentence handed down. Further emphasizing the gravity of his crimes, Sharma was also placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Colclough, who headed the murder investigation, commented on the case’s severity. “The level of brutality in this attack was extreme and sustained,” he said. Throughout the ordeal, which lasted for over 15 minutes, Kempster was subjected to repeated and severe injuries that eventually led to her untimely death.
Colclough also underlined the commitment of law enforcement in bringing Sharma to justice. He expressed satisfaction that the sentence would keep Sharma confined, eliminating the possibility of him posing a threat to others.
The local community has been deeply affected by the crime, both because of its violent nature and the location – a quiet area not known for such vicious acts. Local community leaders and safety advocates have begun calling for enhanced security measures in the city center to prevent further tragedies of this nature.
As Sharma begins his lengthy prison term, the case serves as a grim reminder of the brutality that lurks in unexpected places and the persistent efforts of the justice system to address such heinous crimes.