A barrister once lauded for her advocacy against prejudice faces years in prison after being convicted of intentionally encouraging or assisting grievous bodily harm with intent. Samreen Akhtar, 37, was found guilty following a week-long trial at Manchester Crown Court for her role in a revenge plot for gangster Tabish Ali, who had been the target of an assassination attempt.
Akhtar, from Huddersfield, used her professional contacts to identify and help track down an individual involved in the shooting of Ali, reportedly with the intent to maim them. The offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for September 7. She is also expected to face a ban from practicing law by the Bar Standards Council.
Her conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace for Akhtar, who had been considered a bright talent on the legal circuit. She had actively spoken out against prejudice, aiming to support young black and Asian aspiring lawyers. Akhtar had previously highlighted her working-class roots and encouraged diversity within the legal profession, emphasizing perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Despite being arrested in 2023, Akhtar was permitted to continue defending clients for months after being charged. Her interim suspension from practice only came into effect on July 3, shortly before her trial concluded. Legal peers expressed dismay that she was allowed to continue working while facing such serious allegations.
Tabish Ali, the gangster Akhtar aided, is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the execution of Jamal Nedd. Nedd was shot and killed in a revenge attack in December 2020, amidst a violent turf war between drug gangs in Huddersfield. Ali and two brothers were convicted of murder, while another individual received a five-year sentence for perverting the course of justice and arson related to the disposal of a vehicle used in the murder.