R v Mahek Bukhari & Ors

R v Mahek Bukhari & Ors

The minimum term for murder imposed on Mahek Bukhari was excessive due to overvaluation of aggravating factors and undervaluation of mitigation, particularly youth and immaturity; the route to verdict for manslaughter raised an arguable legal point regarding identification of the base offence; sentences for manslaughter were manifestly excessive given minor roles and mitigating factors, warranting substantial reduction.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Mahek Bukhari; Appellant: Ameer Jamal; Appellant: Sanaf Gulammustafa; Appellant: Natasha Akhtar
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence
Outcome
Appeals allowed in part; minimum term for murder and sentences for manslaughter quashed and substituted; leave to appeal against manslaughter conviction granted on one ground.
Legal Topics
Murder, Manslaughter, Sentencing, Joint Enterprise, Unlawful Act Manslaughter, Appeal Procedure
Criminal Law Murder Manslaughter Sentencing Joint Enterprise Unlawful Act Manslaughter Appeal Procedure

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Mahek Bukhari

Appellant

Ameer Jamal

Appellant

Sanaf Gulammustafa

Appellant

Natasha Akhtar

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the minimum term for murder imposed on Mahek Bukhari was disproportionate
  2. 2 Whether the route to verdict for manslaughter was legally correct
  3. 3 Whether the judge was right to dismiss submissions of no case to answer for manslaughter

Ratio Decidendi

The minimum term for murder imposed on Mahek Bukhari was excessive due to overvaluation of aggravating factors and undervaluation of mitigation, particularly youth and immaturity; the route to verdict for manslaughter raised an arguable legal point regarding identification of the base offence; sentences for manslaughter were manifestly excessive given minor roles and mitigating factors, warranting substantial reduction.

Court Disposition

Appeals allowed in part; minimum term for murder and sentences for manslaughter quashed and substituted; leave to appeal against manslaughter conviction granted on one ground.

Orders

  • Minimum term for Mahek Bukhari substituted with 26 years and 285 days after deductions.
  • Sentences for Ameer Jamal and Sanaf Gulammustafa substituted with 12 years 8 months and 12 years 9 months respectively after deductions.