CPS 'considering options' in Mustafa Bashir assault case

The Crown Prosecution Service has said it is "considering options" in the case of Mustafa Bashir who was spared jail after he admitted beating his wife.

Bashir, 34. of Middleton, was given a suspended sentence at Manchester Crown Court for assaulting Fakhara Karim.

Judge Richard Mansell QC has been criticised by Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes and domestic abuse campaigners after he reportedly said Miss Karim was not vulnerable because she was intelligent.

Ms McInnes called the judge’s decision to spare the violent and controlling abuser jail "appalling". She said: "It is an appalling decision not to jail Mustafa Bashir. He treated his wife despicably, forcing her to drink bleach, throttling her in public, and beating her with a cricket bat. To leave him free on the streets sends the message that this sort of abuse is somehow excusable in certain circumstances and it absolutely is not."

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According to reports, the court was told that if Bashir was spared custody he would be employed as a professional player by Leicestershire County Cricket Club. However, the claims were denied by the club. A statement on its website said: "The club have never spoken to Mustafa Bashir or an agent, nor offered a contract to the player."

Asked whether the CPS would apply for a review of the case following the cricket club's statement, a spokesman for the service said: "We are aware of recent developments relating to this case and are considering our options."

Bashir was said to have beaten his wife with a cricket bat and forced her to drink bleach.

Sentencing, Judge Mansell QC reportedly said he was not convinced Miss Karim was a vulnerable person as she was "plainly intelligent", having graduated from university with a 2:1, and had a network of friends.

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner and Interim Mayor, said he would write to the Attorney General and Justice Secretary Liz Truss to ask for the case to be reviewed.

Bashir was given a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment (suspended for two years). Requirements of this include supervision for 18 months and taking part in a Building Better Relations programme. He was also ordered to pay £100 surcharge to the victim and £1,000 to the prosecution.