KASHIF ANWAR SENTENCED FOR MURDERING PREGNANT WIFE IN PUDSEY AND EDINBURGH'S ARTHUR'S SEAT

Kashif Anwar, a man from Pudsey, has been sentenced to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of his pregnant wife, Fawziyah Javed. The tragic events unfolded during a holiday in September 2021, at the well-known Edinburgh landmark, Arthur's Seat, where Anwar pushed his wife off a towering 50-foot cliff. The incident shocked the local community and drew widespread media attention due to its brutality and the circumstances surrounding it.

Fawziyah Javed, who was approximately 17 weeks pregnant at the time, sustained severe injuries from the fall. Despite her injuries, she was able to speak briefly to a police officer at the scene, providing a crucial piece of evidence by stating that her husband had pushed her. Her words painted a stark picture of the violence she endured, and they played a significant role in the subsequent legal proceedings. Anwar initially attempted to justify his actions by claiming that he had slipped and accidentally bumped into her, a defense that the jury at the High Court in Edinburgh swiftly rejected. After deliberation, the court convicted him of murder and causing the death of her unborn child, marking a significant victory for justice.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lord Beckett delivered a stern message to Anwar, emphasizing that Fawziyah was entitled to her husband's protection and condemning his actions as a 'wicked crime.' The judge also pointed out that Anwar showed no remorse for his actions and made no effort to save his wife, further underscoring the brutality of the incident. The court heard that Anwar, who was studying to become an optician, had met Ms. Javed in 2019, and the couple married on Christmas Day in 2020. However, their marriage was marred by concerns from her mother, who expressed fears of abuse and indicated her plans to leave the relationship.

Throughout the trial, Anwar did not give evidence in his defense. Following his arrest, he was questioned about his future prospects in prison, displaying little remorse for the crime he committed. The case shed light on the abusive dynamics within their relationship and highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence, which ultimately led to the tragic loss of two lives—Fawziyah and her unborn child.