A man and his parents have been incarcerated after his spouse was compelled to consume medication for diabetes and was splashed with a harmful substance, resulting in a permanent vegetative state from which she will not regain consciousness.
Ambreen Fatima Sheikh, described as “intelligent, bright, ambitious and happy-go-lucky”, was 30 when she was given the anti-diabetes drug glimepiride after being brought to the UK from Pakistan after an arranged marriage.
According to the Leeds Crown Court, the medication caused severe brain damage to the woman. It was also reported that Sheikh had been exposed to a harmful substance, potentially a cleaning product, and had experienced mistreatment while at her residence prior to being admitted to the hospital on August 1, 2015.
According to the court, Sheikh, who is currently 39 years old, is unable to perceive herself or her surroundings and does not respond to movement or pain. It was also stated that she will not experience any medical improvements.
Asgar Sheikh, aged 31, and his parents Khalid Sheikh, aged 55, and Shabnam Sheikh, aged 53, have been sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison.
Sakalayne Sheikh, the brother of Asgar Sheikh, aged 25, received a suspended sentence of six months that will last for two years. Similarly, Shagufa Sheikh, aged 29 and the sister of Asgar, was given a suspended sentence of 18 months that will also be in effect for two years.
West Yorkshire police’s DCI Matthew Holdsworth stated that the situation was dreadful, as a fit and young woman was left with devastating injuries and a stolen future by the very individuals who were supposed to safeguard her.
Although Ambreen is still alive, there is a tragic belief that she may never regain consciousness.
The court was informed that she is sustained through a feeding tube and may not pass away for several years due to the incident.
According to the courtroom testimony, Sheikh moved to Huddersfield in 2014 after an arranged marriage with Asgar in Pakistan. He was reported to be in good health at the time of his relocation.
The judge stated that the woman rarely left her home on Clara Street and was rarely unsupervised. She was not fluent in English, did not have her own source of income, and had few friends in the UK.
The judge was informed that the family was dissatisfied with her performance in the household, and Khalid Sheikh had proposed that she be returned to Pakistan.
The judge stated that she was unaware of the family member responsible for giving Shabnam Sheikh the corrosive substance, resulting in severe burns on her lower back, bottom, and right ear. She also could not determine who coerced or pressured her into taking the prescribed glimepiride.
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Taking Glimepiride, even in small amounts, can pose serious risks to individuals who do not have diabetes.
The judge determined that there was a period of two to three days between Sheikh losing consciousness and her family contacting an ambulance, which likely worsened her brain injuries.
During the previous year’s trial, Asgar, Khalid, Shabnam and Shagufa Sheikh were convicted for causing physical harm to a vulnerable adult.
Asgar, Shabnam, and Shagufa Sheikh were convicted for attempting to obstruct justice, while all five defendants were found guilty of conspiring to obstruct justice.
The act of causing physical harm to a vulnerable adult used to carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, but it has now been raised to 14 years.
Despite the family calling 999, they falsely reported what had occurred to the victim. The judge stated that it was evident that the family was aware of the victim’s suffering and anguish. It is unlikely that they were unaware of Ambreen’s situation and urgent need for medical attention.
“You were also aware of the reason for her current state.”
Source: theguardian.com
