Life For Northolt Man Who Beheaded Wife

Police say 'senseless and brutal attack' had profound effect on community

A man who decapitated his wife at their Northolt home has been jailed for life at the Old Bailey (Wed 28th).

Naveed Ahmed, 41,, admitted killing the mother of their two young children Tahira, 38 following the assault on 27 May, 2014.

He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Monday, 19 January.

Police were called to the family home in Merton Avenue, Northolt at approximately 19:45hrs following reports of a disturbance.

London Ambulance Service were called to the scene but Mrs Ahmed was pronounced dead soon after.

Ahmed was arrested after fleeing the house and was stopped by officers in nearby Pilgrims Close.

They noticed he had blood stains on his coat and was sweating heavily. He was arrested immediately.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mrs Ahmed received multiple injuries in the attack. The cause of death was determined as head and neck injuries.

Ahmed was charged with the murder of his wife of 16 years on 19 June. He initially pleaded not guilty in October but changed his plea on Monday, 19 January.

Detective Sergeant Nick Miller from the Homicide and Major Crime Command said:

"This was a senseless and brutal attack of a defenceless wife and mother in the family home.
The violent manner of the killing has had a profound effect on her family, friends and the wider community.

''The actions of the man sentenced to a minimum of 22 years today, has effectively deprived two young children of both their parents forever.

''Domestic abuse should not be tolerated at any level. The Met Police will support the victims of domestic violence and prosecute those responsible for this invidious crime."

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Family statement released by the family of Tahira Ahmed

"On this day, there is no celebration, for we have forever lost a dearly loved daughter, sister, mother and friend.

"Tahira was the kindest, most patient and gentle individual, who lived for her children and family, she devoted her life to the welfare of her children and their best possible upbringing.

"Her life was cut short in the most brutal manner, by a barbaric man, with out-dated and backward ideals. He caused untold damage, which will forever haunt Tahira's family and friends.

"He had no thought or consideration that he was depriving two young precious children from their mother and left all our lives and hearts in pieces.

"In light of this, not even life imprisonment could befit his heinous crime.

"We would like to thank the CPS, Prosecution Lawyers and the Justice System for bringing this man to justice and incarcerating him, so he cannot pose any further threat to our family and society.

"We would like to collectively encourage any individual who has suffered domestic violence at any level to speak up, turn to the appropriate authorities for help and leave their abusers.

"You do not need to suffer in silence.

"Tahira, we miss you every second of everyday."

28th January 2015