Shafilea murder case was never closed, say police (From Warrington Guardian)

Shafilea Ahmed murder case was never closed, say Cheshire Police

4:49pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in News

THE investigating officers in the Shafilea Ahmed case said witnesses had shown great courage coming forward.

Detective Superintendent Geraint Jones, who was looking after the investigation when the 17-year-old schoolgirl went missing in 2003 up to 2010, added the murder case was never closed.

He was speaking at a press conference after Shafilea's parents Iftikhar and Farzana Ahmed were found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum 25 years behind bars today, Friday.

He said: "A lot of people have asked me if this was a honour killing but this is a simple case of domestic abuse motivated by her parents desire to control her."

Chief Superintendent Richard Strachan, who was head of major investigations between 2007 and 2009, said he thought the people of Warrington would feel relief justice has been done.

He added: "The community of Warrington has been at the heart of all that has been said and felt about this tragic woman.

"It says something about the town that people do care when they see something as traumatic as this happen.

"Shafilea's friends from school have also come back nine years later which shows how much she was liked and loved."

DCI Chris Ankers, who took over the investigation into the murder of Shafilea Ahmed, said:  "This trial has not stood on Alesha Ahmed’s evidence alone, but it has progressed to justice because of it. 

 

"Many witnesses have shown a huge amount of courage. Friends, teachers, and other professionals have been called to court by the Prosecution team, and it has been clear to see how raw and emotional providing evidence of Shafilea’s domestic abuse and eventual murder has been for them.

"During the trial itself, other witnesses were influenced by Alesha Ahmed’s account, and this led to further evidence coming to light as the trial progressed. I am convinced that this has influenced Farzana Ahmed’s change of defence statement.

 

"The police and CPS team responsible for the criminal investigation and trial have demonstrated professionalism and commitment. However, it is those witnesses who have stood up for Shafilea and for justice who have made today’s verdict possible."