A wealthy British-Pakistani businessman who unleashed vile threats of gang rape and murder against a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant has seen his pathetically light sentence tripled after public outrage exposed the UK justice system’s initial failure to deliver real consequences for horrific criminal behavior.
Story Highlights
- Salman Iftikhar’s jail sentence increased from 15 months to over 4 years after public outcry
- Millionaire threatened to “gang-rape” and murder flight attendant during 2023 midair meltdown
- Victim Angie Walsh unable to work for 14 months due to trauma from racist, sexual threats
- Case exposes two-tier justice system where wealth initially bought lenient treatment
Wealthy Predator’s Shocking Midair Attack
Salman Iftikhar, a 38-year-old recruitment company founder, launched into a racist, sexually violent tirade against Virgin Atlantic crew members during a February 7, 2023 flight from London to Lahore. The millionaire threatened to “gang-rape” lead flight attendant Angie Walsh, murder her, set her on fire, and blow up the crew’s hotel. His vile behavior occurred in first class while traveling with his wife and children, traumatizing passengers and crew for eight hours at 39,000 feet.
Justice System Initially Fails Victim
The original August 2025 sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court handed down a measly 15-month sentence that insulted the severity of Iftikhar’s crimes and the lasting trauma inflicted on his victims. This pathetic punishment sparked widespread public outrage, with many Americans and Britons recognizing this as another example of how wealth and status can initially shield criminals from appropriate consequences. The light sentence sent a dangerous message that threatening working-class women with sexual violence carries minimal penalties.
Public Pressure Forces Real Justice
Following massive public backlash and complaints through the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal tripled Iftikhar’s sentence to four years and three months in November 2025. Solicitor General Ellie Reeves emphasized the justice system’s obligation to support victims of such heinous threats. This correction demonstrates what happens when citizens demand accountability from courts that initially fail to protect law-abiding workers from wealthy predators who believe money makes them untouchable.
Victim Suffers While Perpetrator’s Family Makes Excuses
Flight attendant Angie Walsh remains unable to work 14 months after Iftikhar’s attack, highlighting the lasting psychological damage from his threats of sexual violence and murder. Meanwhile, Iftikhar’s influencer wife Abeer Rizvi publicly defended her husband, claiming mental health issues as justification for his criminal behavior. This pattern of wealthy families making excuses for inexcusable conduct while hardworking victims suffer demonstrates exactly why strong sentences matter in deterring such predatory attacks on innocent people.
Millionaire who threatened to ‘gang-rape’ flight attendant in midair meltdown has jail sentence tripled https://t.co/DyFR6FRCD3 pic.twitter.com/VonTd88oOx
— New York Post (@nypost) November 12, 2025
The case now serves as a crucial precedent showing that public pressure can force justice systems to properly punish wealthy criminals who initially escape meaningful consequences through privileged treatment, ensuring working people receive protection they deserve.
Sources:
UK Government official statement
The Telegraph – Rape threat passenger sentence doubled
NDTV – Influencer stands by jailed husband over rape threat
