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Man who attacked wife and left her to die changes plea to guilty before trial (20 March 2015)

Date: 20/03/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Man who attacked wife and left her to die changes plea to guilty before trial

A man who attacked his wife and left her to die on the kitchen floor while he went to work has confessed to the killing.

Imran Sharif, 44, had confided in another prisoner while on remand for the murder at HMP Bullingdon.

On the day of the murder on 20 October, 2014, Sharif had dropped off the couple's four children at school – and then returned home and attacked his wife of 17 years, Raheela Imran, 45. After the attack, he changed his clothes and hid his bloodstained clothing beneath the driver's seat of his car.

He then ditched the murder weapon – which police have never found – and went to work as normal.

His wife’s body was discovered by her brother, after he went to the house in Slough in Berkshire out of concern for her.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that he found front door of the house ajar and went inside to find his sister dead on the kitchen floor.

Sharif had previously entered a not guilty plea, but at Reading Crown Court on Thursday (19/03/15), he changed his plea to guilty as he was about to stand trial.

Chief crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern CPS, Adrian Foster, said:

“Having been charged with his wife's murder and while on remand at Bullingdon Prison, Sharif confided in another prisoner – who he had known for about 12 years – and admitted killing his wife.

“He is clearly an extremely violent and dangerous man.

“This case represents a tragedy for the family of Raheela – her children, family and friends have been devastated by her untimely death.

“We have worked closely with Thames Valley Police since this investigation was launched – and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved.

“We know that nothing will bring Raheela back to her children, family and friends – but we hope that today's conviction brings them at least a small sense that justice has been done.

“Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”

After the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Mike Lynch from Thames Valley Police said:

“I am glad that Sharif has accepted responsibility for what he did and admitted today that he took his wife's life.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time for Raheela's family and friends as they try to come to terms with their loss – and although it may offer them little comfort, I hope that Sharif's guilty plea will be of some help as they begin to rebuild their family's lives.”

Sharif will appear at Reading Crown Court again on 5 May to be sentenced.

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