Police Officer's Misconduct Precedes Brutal Domestic Attack in Lancashire

In a troubling case that has sparked an investigation by Lancashire police, a domestic violence victim was stabbed multiple times by her husband, Fayaz Khan, just three months after a police officer allegedly pressured her to drop a formal complaint against him.

The incident, which occurred in December 2023, has raised serious questions about the handling of domestic abuse cases and the support provided to victims. Khan, 69, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on August 19, 2024, for attempted grievous bodily harm and other related offenses.

The court heard that Khan had treated his wife "like a slave" and maintained a "medieval" attitude towards her. This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the UK, where approximately 5.7% of adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The timeline of events leading to the attack reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse and missed opportunities for intervention. In August 2023, police visited the couple's home after a neighbor reported aggressive shouting. The victim filed a formal complaint against Khan at that time, but later retracted it. During the court proceedings, it emerged that a police officer, described as "shameful" by Judge Heather Lloyd, had advised the woman to withdraw her complaint.

"She then gave a retraction statement, not saying it was not true but that she did not want to go on."

This revelation has prompted an internal review by Lancashire Constabulary's professional standards department. The case underscores the critical importance of proper training and support for law enforcement in handling domestic abuse cases. In recent years, the UK government has taken steps to address this issue, including the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which strengthened protections for victims and measures against perpetrators.

The court also learned about the victim's background and her relationship with Khan. Married in Pakistan when she was just 17 and Khan was in his 30s, the woman had lived in Britain for 25 years but did not speak English fluently and was rarely allowed to leave the home. This situation reflects the complex nature of domestic abuse cases, particularly those involving cultural and language barriers.

The attack itself was described as severe, with Khan repeatedly stabbing his wife inside their family home. The intervention of Khan's son and the thickness of the victim's clothing prevented more serious injuries. This incident aligns with research showing that leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time for a victim, with the risk of violence escalating.

In response to the case, Clive Grunshaw, police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, emphasized the need for victims to have confidence in reporting to the police and receiving appropriate support. This sentiment echoes the broader efforts in the UK to improve victim services, such as the "Ask for ANI" (Action Needed Immediately) campaign launched in 2021, which helps domestic abuse victims access support in pharmacies.

As the investigation into the police officer's conduct continues, this case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing domestic violence and the critical importance of providing comprehensive support to victims at every stage of the reporting and legal process.