Man who attacked ex-partner with an axe is found guilty

Arshad Latif, aged 34, of Haydon Road, Aylesbury, was found guilty by majority jury after an eleven day trial at Reading Crown Court, of one count of attempted murder and by a unanimous verdict on one count of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

On 16 August 2015 at around 2.10am, Latif went to a house in Eaton Road in Aylesbury and when the victim, a 29-year-old woman, opened the front door, he attacked her with an axe, causing injuries to her neck and back.

He then got into a car and left the scene.

The victim was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for treatment. She had sustained a 7cm wound to her neck and six puncture wounds to her back as well as broken ribs and a bruised lung.

Medical staff said the victim was very lucky not to have been in a life-threatening condition as the injuries were so severe.

On the same day, Latif damaged a car which was parked in Oak Green, Aylesbury.

Latif was arrested by police on 2 September 2015. He was charged the following day.

He is due to be sentenced on 8 April.

Investigating officer, Det Con Jayne Green from the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit at Aylesbury police station, said: “There is no doubt that Latif could have killed his former partner when he attacked her with an axe at her home in Aylesbury.

“After causing serious injuries to her, Latif fled the scene and evaded police for two-and-a-half weeks before he was eventually arrested and charged.

“As this case demonstrates, domestic abuse can have devastating consequences and can involve partners, ex-partners and family members. The victim in this case has been supported by specially trained staff at the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit throughout the investigation and trial.

“Domestic abuse is a serious problem and Thames Valley Police will continue to work to investigate incidents, keep victims safe and bring the dangerous perpetrators to justice.

“I am pleased that Latif has been found guilty of these offences today and I hope that the victim is relieved that Latif will be put behind bars for a long time and will not be able to hurt her or anyone else again.”

If you are a victim of domestic violence you can call Thames Valley Police for support on 101 or visit www.
reducingtherisk.org.uk