AN EX-HUSBAND has been jailed for life after being found guilty of murdering his former partner in what police described as a cold-blooded killing motivated by greed.

Jasbinder Singh Gahir, 58, was ordered to serve a minimum term of 28 years after jurors at Coventry Crown Court convicted him of murdering Balvinder Kaur Gahir at her home in Lillington, Leamington Spa.

A trial was told Gahir, of Church Views, Maidenhead, drove to Warwickshire to carry out the killing in the early hours of August 24, 2020.

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In a statement issued after the trial, Warwickshire Police said officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a property in Valley Road, Lillington, at 2.40am.

Investigations proved Jasbinder had travelled up from Maidenhead with his son Rohan Gahir in the early hours of the Monday morning and CCTV captured them parking in Valley Road, close to the property at around 2.20am.

Police said both men travelled back to Maidenhead and disposed of Jasbinder’s clothes by burning them in a garage near to where they lived.

Rohan Gahir argued he knew nothing of the plan to attack his mother and acted under duress in destroying evidence.

The 23-year-old, also of Church Views, was convicted of perverting the course of justice and was jailed for 42 months, a Crown Court spokesman said.

Coventry Crown Court. Google Maps image

Coventry Crown Court. Google Maps image

The trial heard that Jasbinder was angry at the division of the couple’s assets after the relationship broke down, leading to a family court order in 2012.

Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Corfield said: “This was a shocking, cold-blooded murder, motivated by anger and greed.

“Our investigation revealed Jasbinder Gahir to be a manipulative, materialistic man capable of deceiving those closest to him over many years. I have no doubt that Bally’s recent enforcement of the financial order against him was the motivation behind her murder.

“Jasbinder has never shown any remorse for killing Balvinder but he continued to weave a web of lies in the courtroom. The jury have rejected his account and we welcome this verdict.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard on this case to seek justice for Bally.

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“Bally’s family are utterly devastated by her loss but I must pay tribute to the incredible dignity and courage they have shown throughout this investigation and trial. I hope this justice outcome can offer some comfort.”

Paying tribute to Balvinder, her family said: “She was a remarkable, graceful, intelligent and overall charismatic beautiful lady.

“The light of our lives, a kind and gentle soul, who portrayed nothing but warm love and happiness to all the people she met.

“You may have been taken away from us, but no one will ever take all the special memories you have left deep in our hearts.”