Latest news with #SalmanIftikhar
Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Rape threat passenger ‘should not have shorter sentence than Lucy Connolly'
A man who threatened an air hostess with gang rape should not have received a shorter sentence than Lucy Connolly, the Conservatives have said. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, urged Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, to review the jail term given to Salman Iftikhar earlier this month. Iftikhar was convicted of racially motivated harassment and threats to kill, after he threatened cabin crew on his first-class flight from London Heathrow to Lahore in February 2023. The recruitment boss, 37, told Angie Walsh, an air stewardess: 'You will be dragged by your hair from your room and gang raped and set on fire.' He threatened to blow up the cabin crew's floor in their hotel. He was given 15 months in prison for the offence. Mr Philp contrasted the sentence to that of Connolly, who received 31 months for inciting racial hatred in a post on X in the wake of the Southport killings. Writing to Lord Hermer, the shadow home secretary pointed to Iftikhar's six previous convictions, including for common assault in 2004 and drink driving in 2008. He wrote: 'Despite this, Iftikhar only received a 15-month sentence, less than half of Lucy Connolly's 31-month sentence (a prosecution which you authorised). 'Connolly made a wrong and distasteful social media post which she then deleted, but Iftikhar made over 100 sickening threats including of gang rape directly to Ms Walsh personally, face to face, and to other members of the cabin crew's faces and has multiple previous convictions'. Mr Philp said that if Lord Hermer chose not to refer Iftikhar's sentence for reconsideration, it would be 'yet another example of two-tier justice under this Government'. Prompted by a false rumour that an illegal immigrant had murdered three girls at a dance workshop, Connolly last summer called for 'mass deportation now' and wrote on X 'set fire to all the… hotels… for all I care'. She added: 'If that makes me racist so be it.' She deleted the post three and a half hours later, but it had already been reposted 940 times. The prosecutor in the case of Iftikhar told the court that he had told a member of cabin crew: 'The white, sheep-sh------ b---- will be dead. The floor of your hotel will be blown up and it will disappear.' Connolly has received support from Reform UK MPs, with Richard Tice, the party's deputy leader, having visited her in prison. He is campaigning for a change in the law that would allow the public to challenge what they deem to be excessively harsh sentences, in an attempt to prevent 'overzealous two-tier justice'. The Attorney General's Office has been approached for comment.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Supermodel wife of recruitment boss jailed for 'hurling rape threats at cabin crew' defends disgraced husband
The supermodel wife of a wealthy recruitment boss jailed for hurling death threats and racist abuse at cabin crew after bingeing on champagne has seemingly defended her disgraced husband, declaring 'behind every story there is pain'. Salman Iftikhar, 37, was flying first class when he told stewardess Angie Walsh she would be gang raped and set alight the Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow Airport to Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan. Iftikhar was travelling with one his two wives and three children at the time of the incident on February 7, 2023, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Shocking footage shows Iftikhar repeatedly accusing Ms Walsh of racism, adding: 'You called me a p*** in front of everybody.' He went on to say he knew where Ms Walsh lived in Cardiff before shouting: 'The white sheep sh****** b**** will be dead.' He was jailed for 15 months after he left Ms Walsh 'broken' and 'traumatised' after he told her during his drunken tirade she would be dragged out of her hotel room and assaulted. Now one of his wives, Abeer Rizvi, 37, who won the 2012 edition of the Pakistani reality television show Veet Miss Super Model, has taken to social media, seemingly to defend her partner to her 407,000 Instagram followers. She posted a story on Thursday which read: 'Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story there is pain you don't see. Before judging, try understanding. Be kind. Be human.' At the time of his arrest, Iftikhar was living in his £2 million house in Iver, Buckinghamshire with his other wife, Erum Salman, 38, who is the mother of his children. The pair, who own a range of expensive cars, including a Range Rover, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, run London-based Staffing Match that provides training to businesses working in customer service and manufacturing. However, the pair had a 'rocky marriage and would argue quite a bit', those known to the couple told the Daily Mail. Iftikhar previously owned aviation recruitment firm Core Labour Supply Ltd, although it went into administration owing more than £11 million to HMRC. A neighbour of Iftikhar said: 'He's definitely very flash, someone who likes to flaunt his wealth. He only ever really said hello or anything like that to me when he first moved in.' Iftikhar has six previous convictions arising from 15 offences, including common assault and drink driving. Ben Walker-Nolan, defending Iftikhar, claimed Iftikhar was suffering from 'amnesia blood loss', which contributed to what happened 39,000ft in the air. Ms Walsh sat in court accompanied by her sister Claire, who is also a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, in their uniforms. Iftikhar admitted making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment in relation to Ms Walsh. He was cleared of assault by beating and threats to kill in relation to Tommy Merchant, another crew member. Family members wept in the public gallery as the judge Ms Recorder Annabel Darlow KC said: 'Your threats to kill were made in the presence of children, specifically your three young children. These were threats made with significant violence. Your children had to be comforted by cabin crew staff while you made those threats. 'Ms Walsh has given up a job which she has loved for 14 months, but thankfully has now returned to work.' 'This was a sustained incident which involved repeated racist abuse to Ms Walsh. You have a lengthy and appalling record of misconduct. You have not addressed the underlying cause of this for many years, that is your drug and alcohol problem. 'Given your lifestyle and your ability to earn money, your harm and risk has not moved. This was an appalling incident which has caused long lasting and devastating consequences.' A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: 'The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to any disruptive or abusive behaviour on board our aircraft. 'We will always work closely with the relevant authorities and will not hesitate to seek prosecution for those individuals that cause disruption onboard through unacceptable behaviour.' 'We're incredibly grateful to Angie and our cabin crew onboard who dealt with this distressing situation in a calm, courageous and professional manner. We are proud of Angie for her bravery in court and we will continue to offer her our full support.'
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
One of man's two wives defends him after plane ‘rape' threat
One of the wives of a business tycoon who threatened to gang rape a flight attendant during a flight has appeared to defend her partner online. Disturbing footage captured the moment Salman Iftikhar, 37, from the UK, told Virgin Atlantic crew member Angie Walsh she would be attacked in her hotel after landing. Iftikhar later threatened to blow up the five-star hotel where the cabin crew were set to stay. He was finally sentenced to 15 months in jail at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. One of Iftikhar's two wives has now posted a cryptic message appearing to defend her disgraced husband. Supermodel and actress, Abeer Rizvi, 37, begged people to 'be human' and understand the pain behind every person's story. Rizvi said on Instagram: 'Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story there is pain you don't see. 'Before judging, try understanding. Be kind. Be human.' The popular Pakistani actress has over half a million followers on social media where she often shares clips of her husband. But Iftikhar lives in the UK with another woman who is also the mother to his children. Iftikhar, Erum Salman, 38, and their three children all live in a £2 million ($A4 million) six-bedroom home in Buckinghamshire. The couple run a London-based staffing company that provides training to businesses working in customer service and manufacturing. Salman and the children were all forced to watch on in horror during the flight. Iftikhar's vile rant was spouted on the eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, Pakistan, on February 7 2023. Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia said Iftikhar was drinking champagne at the onboard bar and leant over to get his own ice. He said: 'When told to stop, the defendant became irate, and started to film cabin crew with his phone, telling them: 'Do not tell me what to do, you b***h'. 'When asked by the cabin crew to return to his seat, he then said: 'Don't tell me what to do you racist f***ing b***h. I know where you are from in Cardiff'.' The court heard Ifikhar continued to call Ms Walsh a 'f***ing b***h' before his escalating behaviour sparked a possible flight diversion to Turkey. Mr Kapadia added: 'His wife was ashamed. His three children were also on board, and other crew members were called to assist, but the defendant continued shouting and swearing. 'He was slurring his words, with his voice raised.' The out-of-control passenger then told cabin crew he would blow up the floor of their hotel. No action was taken against Iftikhar when he stepped off the aircraft in Pakistan. He was only arrested at his expensive detached home in Iver after his holiday. The judge also took into account Iftikhar's six previous convictions, including a common assault – a record she described as 'lengthy and appalling'. Iftikhar was living a life of luxury before his jail stint. He boasts a range of expensive cars on his driveway in Buckinghamshire including a Range Rover, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. In one photo, he is seen posing in front of a royal blue Rolls-Royce kitted out with a white leather interior. Other extravagant snaps show a number of his pricey cars parked outside the home of the Buckinghamshire property. A neighbour of Iftikhar, who asked that their identity remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: 'He's definitely very flash, someone who likes to flaunt his wealth. 'How he made his money is beyond me, he ran a recruitment consultancy but I didn't really tend to see him leave for work. He was around the house most of the time. 'One thing he did like was cars. He owned a Bentley and Range Rover, but he'd also drive different cars on a temporary basis – usually expensive looking ones.' The neighbour added Iftikhar would sometimes come back in the night 'revving the engine of his car and blaring music' after going out. Another local said: 'He'd usually tear down this road in a Range Rover or some other powerful car. He was a bit of a poser when it came to cars and his house.' Despite his apparent wealth, a failed business venture left the recruitment boss millions of pounds in debt. The business mogul previously owned an aviation recruitment business, however it went into administration owing more than £11 million ($A22 million) to HMRC and £6.885 million ($A14 million) to HSBC.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wife of jailed tycoon issues tone-deaf 'defence' over air hostess 'gang rape' threat
Salman Iftikhar, 37, was jailed for 15 months after the horrific incident on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Lahore - and now one of his two wives has appeared to defend him online One of the spouses of a wealthy businessman who made threats to gang rape a Virgin Atlantic air hostess during a flight has seemingly defended him on the internet, causing public indignation. Disturbing video captured Salman Iftikhar, 37, issuing vile threats towards crew member Angie Walsh, even asserting she would be assaulted in her hotel post-landing. He intensified the situation by later threatening to detonate the five-star hotel where the cabin crew were set to stay. Iftikhar received a 15-month prison sentence at Isleworth Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to charges that included making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. Now, one of his two wives has shared an enigmatic message that appears to back her shamed husband. Supermodel and actress Abeer Rizvi, 37, called for people to "be human" and show empathy for those suffering out of sight. Rizvi told her Instagram audience: "Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story there is pain you don't see. Before judging, try understanding. Be kind. Be human.", reports the Express. The Pakistani model and actress, who boasts over half a million online followers, frequently posts snapshots of her life with Iftikhar. Yet, Iftikhar actually resides in the UK with another partner, Erum Salman, 38, who is also the mother of his three children. The family live in a £2million six-bedroom property in Buckinghamshire and operate a London-based recruitment firm that provides customer service and manufacturing training to businesses. Erum and their children watched the appalling incident develop during the eight-hour journey from London Heathrow to Lahore on February 7, 2023. Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia explained to the court how Iftikhar consumed champagne at the aircraft's bar before turning hostile towards staff. "When told to stop, the defendant became irate and started filming cabin crew with his phone, telling them: 'Do not tell me what to do you b***h.' When asked by the cabin crew to return to his seat, he then said: 'Don't tell me what to do you racist f***ing b***h. I know where you are from in Cardiff,'" Mr Kapadia said. Iftikhar kept shouting abuse at Ms Walsh and made additional violent threats, prompting crew members to contemplate redirecting the aircraft. His wife was described as feeling "ashamed", whilst their children watched in dismay. The menacing behaviour continued - Iftikhar also declared he would detonate the floor of the crew's accommodation. Despite his conduct, no measures were taken upon his arrival in Pakistan; he was only detained subsequently at his upmarket Buckinghamshire residence. The judge remarked on Iftikhar's "lengthy and appalling" criminal history, which featured six prior convictions including common assault. Prior to his imprisonment, Iftikhar lived an extravagant lifestyle, boasting a fleet of luxury motors including a Range Rover, Bentley and Rolls-Royce stationed outside his property. Photographs capture him striking poses beside a Royal blue Rolls-Royce complete with pristine white leather seats. A local resident branded him as "very flash", remarking: "He's definitely very flash, someone who likes to flaunt his wealth. How he made his money is beyond me... He owned a Bentley and Range Rover but also drove different expensive-looking cars." Another neighbour commented: "He'd usually tear down this road in a Range Rover or some other powerful car. He was a bit of a poser when it came to cars and his house." However, beneath the glossy exterior, Iftikhar's commercial ventures weren't always triumphant; a collapsed aviation recruitment enterprise landed him millions in the red, with debts exceeding £11million to HMRC and nearly £7million to HSBC when it collapsed into administration.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Influencer wife ‘defends husband' who hurled horrific abuse at Virgin Atlantic stewardess he threatened to ‘gang rape'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONE of the wives of a business tycoon who threatened to gang rape an air hostess during a flight has appeared to defend her partner online. Disturbing footage captured the moment Salman Iftikhar, 37, told Virgin Atlantic crew member Angie Walsh she would be attacked in her hotel after landing. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Salman Iftikhar, 37, was filmed threatening a Virgin Atlantic stewardess Credit: Central News 9 Pakistani actress Abeer Rizvi appeared to defend her vile husband on social media Credit: Instagram 9 Supermodel and actress, Rizvi, begged people to 'be human' and understand the pain behind every person's story Credit: instagram/@abeeriftekhar 9 The father-of-three was with one of his wife and kids on a flight when he unleashed his vile rants Credit: Central News Iftikhar later threatened to blow up the five-star hotel where the cabin crew were set to stay. He was finally caged for 15 months at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. One of Iftikhar's two wives has now posted a cryptic message appearing to defend her disgraced husband. Supermodel and actress, Abeer Rizvi, 37, begged people to "be human" and understand the pain behind every person's story. Rizvi said on Instagram: "Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story there is pain you don't see. "Before judging, try understanding. Be kind. Be human." The popular Pakistani actress has over half a million followers on social media where she often shares clips of her husband. But Iftikhar lives in the UK with another woman who is also the mother to his children. Iftikhar, Erum Salman, 38, and their three children all live in a £2million six-bedroom home in Buckinghamshire. The couple run a London-based staffing company that provides training to businesses working in customer service and manufacturing. Shock footage shows passenger slap woman for refusing to give up seat at airport sparking mass brawl Salman and the children were all forced to watch on in horror during the flight from hell. Iftikhar's vile rant was spouted on an eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, Pakistan, on February 7 2023. Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia said Iftikhar was drinking champagne at the onboard bar and leant over to get his own ice. He said: "When told to stop, the defendant became irate, and started to film cabin crew with his phone, telling them: 'Do not tell me what to do you b***h. "When asked by the cabin crew to return to his seat, he then said: 'Don't tell me what to do you racist f***ing b***h. I know where you are from in Cardiff." He continued to call Ms Walsh a "f***ing b***h" before his escalating behaviour sparked a possible flight diversion to Turkey. Mr Kapadia added: "His wife was ashamed. His three children were also on-board, and other crew members were called to assist, but the defendant continued shouting and swearing. "He was slurring his words, with his voice raised." 9 Rizvi's Instagram post from today Credit: instagram/@abeeriftekhar 9 Angie (left) was supported by sister Claire Walsh (right) at Birmingham Crown Court Credit: Central News 9 Iftikhar with his second wife Erum Salman, 38, and their three children Credit: Facebook The out-of-control passenger then told cabin crew he would blow up the floor of their hotel. No action was taken against Iftikhar when he stepped off the aircraft in Pakistan. He was only arrested at his expensive detached home in Iver after his holiday. The judge also took into account Iftikhar's six previous convictions, including a common assault - a record she described as "lengthy and appalling". Iftikhar was living a life of luxury before his jail stint. He boasts a range of expensive cars on his driveway in Buckinghamshire including a Range Rover, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. In one photo, he is seen posing in front of a royal blue Rolls-Royce kitted out with a white leather interior. Other extravagant snaps show a number of his pricey motors parked outside the home of the Buckinghamshire property. A neighbour of Iftikhar, who asked that their identity remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: "He's definitely very flash, someone who likes to flaunt his wealth. "How he made his money is beyond me, he ran a recruitment consultancy but I didn't really tend to see him leave for work. He was around the house most of the time. Angie Walsh's gut-wrenching impact statement IN an impact statement, Angie Walsh said she was forced to take off 14 months and the altercation "changed my life enormously". "I can't quite believe that one passenger has had this much of an impact on my, my job, my career and my life," she said. "I am a strong brave, happy stewardess, and loved my job. I am well known within the company. "But I had to take 14 months off work. "I have been flying with Virgin Atlantic for 37 years. I was working when all flights were grounded on 9/11, and I've even flown into a warzone. But this incident has broken me. "But I don't feel strong enough anymore. I was abused for eight hours and 15 mins. It has broken me. It was a very personal attack. "I was doing everything in my power to protect passengers and the crew from him. I felt exposed and vulnerable, especially as we were 39,000 feet in the air. There was nowhere for me to go. "There was one moment where I felt I could not cope. I went into the cockpit and had a meltdown. I said to the captain I don't know what to do. "I was traumatised by the threat of being gang raped. Never in my entire career flying for 37 years have I not been sure what to do. "I have had the best career in the world for 37 years. But he has taken that away from me." "One thing he did like was cars. He owned a Bentley and Range Rover, but he'd also drive different cars on a temporary basis - usually expensive looking ones." The neighbour added that Iftikhar would sometimes come back in the night "revving the engine of his car and blaring music" after going out. Another local said: "He'd usually tear down this road in a Range Rover or some other powerful car. He was a bit of a poser when it came to cars and his house." Despite his apparent wealth, a failed business venture left the recruitment boss millions of pounds in debt. The business mogul previously owned an aviation recruitment business, however it went into administration owing more than £11million to HMRC and £6.885million to HSBC. 9 The dad often shows off his lavish lifestyle online Credit: Instagram
