On Wednesday, 11th December, a man who had fled to the US after committing a honour killing has been sentenced to life in prison.
Mohammed Tabraz was sentenced to life in prison at St Albans Crown Court with a minimum term of 20 years. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to killing Soheil Mumtaz by hitting over the head with a hammer outside his home in Luton. Following the attack, Tabraz who was 20 years old then had run away to the US on April 4, 2001 but was eventually extradited back to Britain in August.
Sentencing Tabraz, Judge Michael Kay QC said: "The case against you is overwhelming.
"You were aggressive and forcefully struck Mr Mumtaz's head, yet there was no aggression from Mr Mumtaz.
"Rather than face justice, you fled the country and lived a criminal and disreputable life.
"No doubt you would continue to evade justice, and this senseless murder initiated by you is risible and offensive to the family (of the victim)."
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, who led the investigation, said: "There can be no honour in murder, and we can only hope the sentence handed down by the judge today may finally provide some small comfort for Mr Mumtaz's family, who have suffered every day since April 4 2001.
"Nothing will make up for their loss, but at least they now know that the person responsible is incarcerated."
Tabraz attacked Soheil after hearing he had been making advances towards his sister at the biscuit factory where they both worked.
