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Court of Appeal Raises Virgin Atlantic Air-Rage Offender's Sentence to Four Years and Three Months

The review followed a Law Officers referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme prompted by public complaints.

Overview

  • Salman Iftikhar, 38, had his original 15‑month term replaced with a four‑year‑three‑month sentence after appeal judges found it too low.
  • He pleaded guilty to making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment over a prolonged tirade against crew on a HeathrowLahore flight.
  • During the eight‑hour journey he threatened rape and murder, filmed staff, and said the crew’s hotel would be blown up while his family looked on.
  • Cabin crew member Angie Walsh reported lasting trauma from the incident and said she was forced to take 14 months off work.
  • Solicitor General Ellie Reeves welcomed the decision, saying the case was referred to deliver justice for the victim and affected passengers.