Claire Palmer instructed by the Ministry of Justice in the Inquest into the death of Sobhia Khan

The closing submissions in the inquest into the death of Sobhia Khan took place on 28 September 2023 at Manchester Civil Justice Centre with the conclusions expected in due course. Sobhia was murdered by Atual Mustafa in May 2017, who is now serving a life sentence with a tariff of 33 years. Mr Mustafa had previously seriously assaulted his first wife and been convicted of those offences in 2008. The Court imposed a hospital order with restrictions under s.41 of the Mental Health Act, and he was sent to a secure hospital before being conditionally discharged in July 2015. The Coroner, HHJ Clement Goldstone KC, has heard substantial amounts of evidence which was given in February / March and September 2023.

Mr Mustafa was discharged into the community following the recommendation of the psychiatrist at Cygnet Hospital where he had been detained having moved from Wathwood secure unit. The Coroner will be determining the four statutory questions: who died, and when, and how they came by their death. In particular, consideration will be given to the reasonableness and effectiveness of the steps in place following his discharge. The Coroner will also consider whether any prevention of future death report should be made.

Claire Palmer is instructed by the Ministry of Justice for the Mental Health Casework Section which deals with restricted patients. 

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Claire Palmer

Call 2003