Controlling bully loses jail appeal

A bullying pharmacist who subjected his younger sister to domestic servitude and left her scarred for life was lucky to escape with only a 21-month jail term, top judges have ruled.

Controlling Kashif Ali (39), from Glodwick, blighted his sister’s childhood by making her stay indoors cleaning rather than playing with other children, the Appeal Court heard

“She was punished if she did anything wrong”, said Mr Justice Griffith Williams. Ali’s sister Siyara finally fled her home in despair.

Siyara was 14 when her brother lost his temper during an evening meal, accidentally letting a glass fly out of his hand as he gesticulated wildly. The incident left her with a facial scar.

“Over the years since that incident, her brothers referred to her as scarface and Ali told her she deserved the scar,” the judge added.

In May 2011, while Siyara - now 28 - was at home playing with Ali’s children, an argument flared about the family’s plans for her arranged marriage in Pakistan.

“She feared she would be forced into marriage and asked whether there was anyone suitable in England,” said the judge. Ali flew into a rage and yelled at her, bruising her arms in a sudden assault.

“The attack continued until his daughters started crying,” the judge added.

Ali, of Barlow Street, was jailed for 21 months at Manchester Crown Court in August after admitting unlawful wounding and common assault. The Appeal Court heard his challenge that the sentence was too harsh.

HIs legal team emphasised his otherwise “exemplary character” both as a pharmacist and as a pillar of the local community.

But Mr Justice Griffith Williams, sitting with Lady Justice Sharp and Mr Justice Lindblom, said Ali was fortunate to escape so lightly.