TRIMAAN DHILLON SENTENCED IN GATESHEAD FOR MURDER OF ALICE RUGGLES

Trimaan Dhillon, a soldier serving with the 2 Scots regiment, has been sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison for the murder of Alice Ruggles. The court was told that Dhillon broke into her flat through an open window and carried out a brutal assault, slashing her throat from ear to ear. Alice, aged 24, was found fatally injured at her home on Rawling Road, Gateshead, in October.

Dhillon denied the murder, claiming that her death was accidental and that he had fallen onto a carving knife during an argument. However, the judge, Paul Sloan QC, described his actions as an act of "utter barbarism." Dhillon, originally from Edinburgh, had previously stalked Alice after their intense online relationship ended and had ignored police warnings to stay away from her.

The court highlighted Dhillon’s obsessive and manipulative behavior, noting his previous attacks on Alice and the fact that she had reported her concerns to police. Despite her pleas for help, her death resulted from his violent attack. The sentencing reflects the court’s condemnation of his conduct and the severity of the crimes committed. Throughout the trial, Dhillon showed no remorse for his actions.