THREE people involved in the death of a Sikh TV executive who was left to die in a burning car have been been locked up for a total of 40 years.

Gagandip Singh, aged 21, of Langdale Crescent, Bexleyheath, died on February 26 last year.

His body was found in the boot of a blue Mercedes C-class in Angerstein Lane, Blackheath, at around 2am.

At the Old Bailey today, 20-year-old Harinder Shoker of Charlton Park Lane, Charlton, was given a life sentence and will serve a minimum of 22 years behind bars after being found guilty of murder on Friday.

Darren Peters, of Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath, aged 20, who was found guilty of manslaughter was sentenced to 12 years.

Medical student Mundill Mahil, aged 20, of Regent Guest House, Maidstone Road, Chatham was sentenced to six years imprisonment after being found guilty of GBH with intent.

Both Mahil and Peters will serve half of their sentences before being released on licence.

All three will begin their sentences in a young offenders institute.

Mahil invited Mr Singh back to her home in Brighton on February 25 last year, six months after he had attempted to rape her.

Lying in wait for him in the basement were Shoker and Peters who beat him up before dumping him the the boot of a car and driving to Blackheath where they set the vehicle alight.

Mr Singh died from the inhalation of fire fumes.

Passing sentence Judge Paul Worsley QC said: "It is a tragedy for the family of the victim and a tragedy for each of your families."

Addressing Mahil he said: "He was lured by you, Mundill, to your student house in Brighton, where you intended that he suffer really serious harm."

He added: "In addition to your many outstanding qualities, you can be manipulative, vengeful and deceitful."

Addressing Shoker he said: "Ravi, you were prepared to do whatever she asked and more.

"One witness spoke of your boast that you were prepared to go to prison for 21 years for Mundill."

To Darren Peters Judge Worsley said: "You played no part in any planning.

"You were there, I am satisfied, as back up if needed. Gagandip Singh was a highly qualified martial arts student.

"You are by far the least bright of the three."

He added: " I have seen the psychiatric reports dealing with your disability in learning and that you are more easily coerced than some."