Inquiry Deems Police Interaction with Abuse Victim ‘Appropriate’

An investigation has concluded that police officers responded “appropriately” to reported concerns regarding a woman who subsequently sustained catastrophic injuries inflicted by her family. Ambreen Fatima Sheikh has been in a persistent vegetative state since 2015, a condition resulting from being forced to ingest medication and having a corrosive substance poured on her at her Huddersfield home. West Yorkshire Police conducted a welfare check on Ms Sheikh three weeks before her admission to hospital, reporting that she was fit, well, and capable of understanding the officers. A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that officers acted in line with the relevant policies, though the force has since “invested heavily” in awareness training concerning honour-based abuse and forced marriage. The IOPC also determined that officers’ actions aligned with the guidance and training protocols in effect in 2015. During a trial in 2023, Leeds Crown Court heard that Ms Sheikh’s husband, Asgar Sheikh, and his parents, Khalid and Shabnam, compelled her to take the anti-diabetes drug glimepiride, which caused a devastating brain injury from which she will never recover. The now 39-year-old also suffered severe chemical burns after being doused in a substance, believed to be cleaning fluid. The judge remarked during the trial that she thought the police assessment prior to Ms Sheikh’s injuries carried “little weight,” as Ms Sheikh spoke limited English and her father-in-law was present throughout the visit. However, the IOPC stated that evidence it obtained shows one officer spoke to Ms Sheikh in a room away from her family members. IOPC regional director Emily Barry described the incident as an “incredibly tragic incident,” stating: “Our thoughts remain with Ms Sheikh, her loved ones and all those affected.” She added: “While our investigation highlighted shortcomings in the information available to officers, I note that West Yorkshire Police now has guidance for officers carrying out welfare checks and a far more detailed policy on honour-based violence.” Ms Barry further stated that the officer who spoke to Ms Sheikh was satisfied she could understand him and reported no signs of physical injury. Ms Sheikh was brought to the UK from Pakistan following a 2014 arranged marriage, and a witness described her as “intelligent, bright, ambitious and happy-go-lucky” before she moved to the UK. There is also evidence she was a teacher in her home country. Asgar Sheikh, 31, was jailed for seven years and nine months, along with his parents Khalid, 55, and Shabnam, 52. All three were found guilty of allowing a vulnerable adult to suffer physical harm. Prosecutors said Ms Sheikh only survives by being fed through a tube and will eventually die as a consequence of what happened to her. Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller said: “West Yorkshire Police has worked hard in recent years to improve its safeguarding of vulnerable victims in domestic settings, including those from our minority communities.” He added: “We take a victim-led approach to deal with these challenging issues which respects the views of victims and witnesses, and provides the necessary support, confidentiality and protection from harm they may need.”