A PLANE thug who threatened to “gang rape” a hostess may get longer in jail after a “two-tier” justice row erupted.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has referred Salman Iftihar’s 15-month sentence to the Attorney General for being “unduly lenient”.
Central NewsSalman Iftihar launched into a sick rant on a Virgin Atlantic plane[/caption]
Central NewsThe tycoon was locked up for 15 months despite his rap sheet[/caption]
PABy contrast, Lucy Connolly was jailed for 31 months for one tweet[/caption]
If the Attorney General’s Office decides the sentence may have been too soft, they will refer it to the Court of Appeal who could then increase the jail term.
Mr Philp said the jail term was evidence of “two-tier justice” after Tory councillor’s wife Lucy Connolly was caged for 31 months for a tweet about the Southport riots.
In a letter to the Attorney General, Mr Philp pointed out Iftikhar made “over 100 sickening threats” to cabin crew as opposed to Connolly’s one post.
The comparison was also made online by a number of people following Iftikar’s sentencing last week.
Mr Philp said: “Iftikar was sentenced to only 15 months in prison last week for threatening an air stewardess with gang rape and for racially aggravated harassment. Iftikhar has multiple previous convictions.
“Yet Lucy Connolly got 31 months for a far less serious offence – a prosecution Lord Hermer personally authorised.
“This is two-tier justice in action.
“I have today referred the case to the Attorney General Lord Hermer for review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
“We’ll now find out if Hermer is willing to take action to fix Britain’s two-tier justice problem.”
Shocking footage showed Iftikhar, 37, tell Virgin Atlantic crew member Angie Walsh she would be attacked in her hotel after landing.
The tycoon launched into the foul-mouthed rant after downing champagne on an eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, Pakistan.
Iftikhar said Ms Walsh would be taken from her hotel room, gang raped and set on fire.
He also threatened to blow-up the five-star hotel where the cabin crew were set to stay.
Isleworth Crown Court heard Iftikhar has six previous convictions, including for common assault, in what the judge described as a “lengthy and appalling” rap sheet.
Despite her comments, she only jailed the thug for 15 months after he admitted making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment.
In contrast, Connolly was locked up for 31 months after admitting publishing threatening or abusive material intending to stir up racial hatred.
The childminder had shared a social media post just hours after three girls were knifed to death in Southport last summer.
She wrote: “Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care…
“If that makes me racist, so be it.”
Connolly launched a bid against her “harsh” sentence but this was thrown out by Court of Appeal judges.
Her husband Raymond Connolly, who is Conservative vice chair of the committee on adult social care at West Northamptonshire Council, said she had been shown “no mercy”.
Dad-of-three Iftikhar, who was later revealed as a debt-ridden tycoon with two wives, could then see his jail term increased.
PAShadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has referred the sentence to the Attorney General[/caption]
Central NewsIftikhar threatened to gang rape the cabin crew worker[/caption]
InstagramThe millionaire, seen with one of his wives Abeer Rizvi, pleaded guilty[/caption]
Connolly launched an unsuccessful bid against her sentence Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
