Dina Sharpe, a caring and family-oriented 39-year-old, was murdered by her volatile boyfriend, Stephen Singer, in Southwark in August 2008. The crime involved a premeditated plan to incapacitate her using sleeping pills, followed by a violent attack and an arson attempt to cover up his actions.

Key Facts:

• Dina met Singer while working as a cleaner at the City of London Academy, where he was the caretaker.

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• They began dating in 2005, but the relationship was marked by volatility and manipulation.

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• Singer was already in a long-term relationship with another woman, Sandra Dodd, which Dina discovered two months into their relationship.​

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• Sandra Dodd discovered Singer’s infidelity and ended their relationship, throwing him out of their shared home.

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• Dina initially felt hopeful that she and Singer could now build a future together, but tensions escalated as Singer attempted to reconcile with Sandra.

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• Dina discovered a text message from Singer to Sandra, pleading with her to take him back.

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• This revelation led to a heated argument between Dina and Singer.

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• Singer purchased sleeping pills and lighter fluid, then went to Dina’s flat under the pretence of reconciliation.

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• He prepared a meal for Dina, spiking her wine and omelette with crushed sleeping pills.

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• When the drugs failed to incapacitate her quickly enough, an argument ensued, during which Singer violently attacked Dina.

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• He punched her multiple times, fracturing her skull and causing severe brain damage.

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• After the assault, Singer doused the flat with lighter fluid and set it on fire to cover his crime.

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• Dina was found shielding a 17-month-old child (identity unknown), saving his life but succumbing to her injuries.

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• Witnesses saw Singer calmly leaving the scene in motorcycle gear.

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• Neighbours heroically rescued the child, who survived but sustained burns to 75% of his body.

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• The child’s presence in the flat remains a mystery.

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• Some speculate he was a nephew or family friend, but this was never confirmed publicly.

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• Dina’s actions shielded him from the fire, saving his life.

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• Dina died from brain injuries caused by the assault, not the fire.

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• Singer was quickly identified as the prime suspect.

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• Forensic evidence included traces of sleeping pills in Dina’s wine and omelette and witness accounts of Singer purchasing lighter fluid.

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• At trial, Singer claimed self-defence, but the evidence of premeditation undermined his argument.

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• In July 2009, Singer was convicted of murder, attempted murder (of the child), and arson.

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• He received life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years.