Domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has quite rightly criticised the 18-month suspended sentence given to a man who admitted attacking his then wife with a cricket bat.
The man’s former wife, Fakhara Karim, also had bleach and pills forced into her mouth, Judge Richard Mansell, sentencing offender Mustafa Bashir, said that Ms Karim was not vulnerable as she was "an intelligent woman with a network of friends" and a degree.
In my experience as a divorce and family lawyer for over 25 years, the status, circle of friends and education of someone undergoing domestic abuse make no difference to the pain, trauma and emotional torment they suffer.
I agree with Refuge that this sentence demonstrates a shocking ignorance around the impact of domestic violence.
Tony Roe
Principal Solicitor and Family Law Arbitrator
Tony Roe Solicitors Divorce & Family Lawyers
3 Brewery Court,
Theale
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