Leicester man murdered partner before telling police she had slipped in bath

On the same day Smita Mistry's body had been found, Frank Farrell was arrested on suspicion of murder Credit: BPM Media

A man murdered his girlfriend at her home and then went to the police, telling them he was worried about her because she had slipped in the bath.

Frank Farrell, from Leicester, went to Euston Street Police Station at 8pm on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 where he said he was unable to get hold of his girlfriend Smita Mistry.

Leicestershire Police sent officers to her home in Gedge Way on the Saffron Lane Estate and after breaking in they found her dead on her bed with multiple blunt force injuries to her head and torso.

The 32-year-old had died from an internal abdominal haemorrhage caused by the brutal attack.

Farrell, 38, of St Peter's Road, Highfields, denied murder but he was found guilty by a jury at Leicester Crown Court back in December 2021 and was jailed for life with a minimum of 24 years.

The case could not be reported on until today because Farrell faced a further trial.

During the murder investigation, detectives had also uncovered evidence of rapes and violent attacks on other women by Farrell and charged him with those offences, which he denied.

That trial ended last week with Farrell being found guilty of five rapes and five assaults and he will be sentenced again on Monday 22 May, for those crimes.

On the same day Ms Mistry's body had been found, Farrell was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The detectives found various CCTV evidence showing Farrell had been in the area and they also spoke to several witnesses.

Some had seen Farrell was outside Ms Mistry’s home two days before her death and she where she was heard telling him to leave.

Farrell was seen putting his hand on the door and forcing his way into the home Credit: BPM Media

Farrell was seen putting his hand on the door and forcing his way into the home and didn't leave until 3am on March 23 - the day he went to the police station.

During that investigation, police spoke to the two female victims of the rape and assault offences.

One had been raped multiple times with Farrell also beating her with wooden bed slats and punching her in the face, leaving her with a black eye.

The second woman had also been beaten by Farrell and on one occasion had dog faeces forced into her mouth. She said she had also been raped by Farrell, who was charged in September 2021 with those offences.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicole Main said: "These convictions demonstrate the alarming nature of Frank Farrell’s behaviour.

"It was important that he stood trial for all the violence he has perpetrated to achieve justice for the victims and their families.

"A dangerous man can no longer prey on vulnerable women within the community.

"Smita was just 32-years-old when Farrell brutally murdered her in her own home before trying to cover his tracks by making a false report to police.

"He knew what he had done to Smita but his only concern was to protect himself. My thoughts remain with Smita and with her family."

Commenting on the rape and assault victims, she added: "Both bravely spoke out about the horrific attacks they had endured.

"Despite this meaning they had to relive an incredibly traumatic period of their lives, both women courageously worked with us to help secure the further convictions.

"I truly thank them for that and hope that today now helps them in some small way as they try to move forward in their lives."

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