Asylum Seeker Sentenced to 29 Years for Brutal Murder of Walsall Hotel Worker
Published 30 January 2026
Highlights
- Deng Majek, a Sudanese asylum seeker, was sentenced to a minimum of 29 years for the murder of Rhiannon Whyte in Walsall.
- Majek attacked Whyte with a screwdriver at Bescot Stadium station, inflicting fatal injuries; she died three days later.
- The court found Majek guilty of murder and possessing an offensive weapon, with overwhelming evidence including CCTV and DNA.
- Rhiannon Whyte's family expressed profound grief and called for stricter immigration controls in the UK.
- No motive was established for the attack, and Majek denied being the assailant despite the evidence.
In a case that has sparked intense debate over immigration policies in the UK, Deng Majek, a Sudanese asylum seeker, has been sentenced to a minimum of 29 years in prison for the murder of Rhiannon Whyte. The 27-year-old hotel worker was brutally attacked with a screwdriver at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall in October 2024.
The Attack and Trial
Majek, who arrived in the UK by small boat just three months prior to the incident, followed Whyte after her shift at the Park Inn Hotel. The attack, described as "vicious and sadistic," involved 23 stab wounds, with 19 to her head, resulting in a fatal brain stem injury. Whyte succumbed to her injuries three days later in the hospital.
During the trial at Coventry Crown Court, the jury was presented with compelling evidence, including CCTV footage and DNA, leading to Majek's conviction for murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Mr. Justice Soole, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted the "devastation" brought upon Whyte's family and noted the absence of any motive for the crime.
Family's Grief and Public Reaction
The sentencing was an emotional moment for Whyte's family, who shared their profound grief and loss. Siobhan Whyte, Rhiannon's mother, expressed her anguish in court, stating, "Because of Majek's inexplicable, cruel and brutal actions, we must face life without her." Her sister, Alex Whyte, recounted the difficulty of explaining the tragedy to Rhiannon's young son, who now aspires to be a "brain doctor" to help others.
Outside the court, the case drew public attention, with groups waving England flags and far-right activist Tommy Robinson present. The incident has fueled discussions on UK immigration policy, with calls for tougher measures against undocumented immigrants.
Lack of Motive and Legal Proceedings
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Majek denied being the assailant, leaving the court with no explanation for his actions. The trial revealed that Majek had been reported for unsettling behavior towards female staff at the hotel, yet no direct motive for the attack was established.
What this might mean
The sentencing of Deng Majek is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over immigration policies in the UK. With public sentiment stirred by the case, there may be increased pressure on the government to implement stricter controls on asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for how similar crimes involving asylum seekers are handled in the future.
Furthermore, the emotional impact on Rhiannon Whyte's family underscores the need for support systems for victims' families in such tragic circumstances. As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus may shift towards addressing the broader societal implications and ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.
