Piran Ditta Khan, aged 75, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for the murder of British police officer Sharon Beshenivsky during an armed robbery in Bradford, Northern England in 2005. Khan, described as the mastermind behind the crime, was convicted despite not physically shooting Beshenivsky but for planning the robbery and supplying firearms. He remained in the getaway car while the robbery took place.

Officer Beshenivsky was shot at point-blank range nine months into her policing career, significantly impacting her young family. Khan evaded capture by fleeing to Pakistan, where he stayed for nearly 15 years before being extradited to the UK for trial.

The sentencing, held at Leeds Crown Court, marks the conclusion of a long-standing case, bringing a degree of closure to Beshenivsky’s family and colleagues. Judge Nicholas Hilliard cited Khan’s significant role in orchestrating the crime which lead to this tragic outcome. The police and prosecution acknowledged the long-term effects on Beshenivsky’s family, emphasizing the loss to the community and her dedication as an officer. This verdict ends the judicial proceedings for all individuals involved in this case.