A British court has imposed a life sentence with at least 29 years behind bars on a Sudanese asylum seeker found guilty of murdering a young hotel worker in central England. The case, which involved a frenzied stabbing attack at a railway station, has reignited debate over migrant accommodation and public safety.
Brutal Stabbing After Work Shift
In October 2024, 27-year-old Rhiannon Whyte, a hotel employee in Walsall, was followed by asylum seeker Deng Chol Majek after her shift ended. CCTV evidence showed Majek trailing her to Bescot Stadium railway station, where he stabbed her 23 times, including multiple blows to the head. She died in hospital three days after the attack.
The jury convicted Majek in October 2025, and on January 30, 2026, Coventry Crown Court handed down a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years. The judge described the crime as particularly violent and noted the absence of any explanation or remorse from the defendant.
Courtroom and Community Reaction
During sentencing, the presiding judge condemned the attack as “vicious” and emphasized the devastating impact on Whyte’s family. Members of the public, including protestors, gathered outside the court during proceedings.
The victim’s loved ones expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the void left by her loss and the trauma inflicted on her young son and wider family.
Broader Implications and Debates
This high-profile murder has sparked renewed discussion around the safety of housing asylum seekers in hotels while claims are processed. Authorities face pressure to balance immigration management with community concerns and the wellbeing of residents and staff at such sites.
