An MP has backed calls for more severe punishments for two teenagers who robbed a classmate at knifepoint and shared footage of the attack on social media.
Zain Khan and Nahid Ali, both 19, from Keighley, were given suspended sentences after they threatened a teenager with a knife, beat him and made him transfer more than £800 into Khan’s bank account.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said he had written to the Attorney General Ellie Reeves asking her to consider the sentences be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
“Given the horrendous nature of the crimes committed, I find it extremely difficult to understand how both perpetrators were able to walk free from court,” he said.
“I speak for many of my constituents in saying that I have deep concerns about the sentences given to both the perpetrators.
“In my opinion, the suspended sentences handed down to these two individuals are wholly disproportionate to the severity of the offences committed.”
A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said it had received several requests for the sentences to be referred.
“We have received multiple requests for the sentences of Zain Khan and Nahid Ali to be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme,” they said.
“The law officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision.”
