Sabina Rizvi Inquest concludes
27th March 2024
Sabina Rizvi was murdered in the early hours of 20 March 2003. Around a week earlier her boyfriend MW had, it was alleged, robbed PA of his Audi TT. In the subsequent days PA sought the assistance of Metropolitan Police Service in recovering the car while Sabina and MW sought to assert genuine ownership of it. On 19 March 2003 Sabina attended Bexleyheath Police Station to give a voluntary statement about her alleged purchase of the car. At the police’s request the car was brought into the Station by her boyfriend who arrived wearing a bullet proof vest. He was arrested and interviewed. Following his interview MW provided information about a threat to his life made by PA. He was released on bail. Within minutes of Sabina and MW leaving the station they were ambushed and shot multiple times. MW was very seriously injured. Sabina tragically died. PA was convicted of Sabina’s murder but his two accomplices have never been identified to the criminal standard of proof.
The inquest into Sabina’s death was resumed after a campaign by her family. It was held in Court No.1 of the Old Bailey before HHJ Rafferty KC sitting as Assistant Coroner, over 14 days. The inquest focussed on (1) whether the police deliberately notified PA and/or others of the whereabouts of MW; (2) whether the police inadvertently notified PA and/or others of the whereabouts of MW; and (3) whether the police knew or ought to have known that an attack would or might take place and whether steps could or should have been taken to prevent it.
After hearing extensive submissions, the Coroner concluded that there was insufficient evidence to leave any of these issues to the jury and directed the jury to return a conclusion on Unlawful Killing.
For press coverage see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckd87z4nr5yo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68632098
John, James and Cecily appeared for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. They frequently appear in high profile inquests and inquires and related litigation.
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