Man convicted of murdering PC Sharon Beshenivsky in Bradford in 2005

Piran Ditta Khan, 75, was convicted of killing PC Sharon Beshenivsky on November 18, 2005, after spending nearly two decades evading justice.

Khan, who was extradited from Pakistan last year, was the last of seven men involved in the robbery to face trial.

He pleaded guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing and at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday (April 4) was found guilty of PC Beshenivsky’s murder.

Khan was also found guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.

PC Beshenivsky and PC Teresa Milburn were about to finish their shift on November 18, 2005, when a call came over the radio about an alarm at the travel agents Universal Express on Morley Street.

They accepted the call and arrived at Morley Street at approximately 3.30pm. As they approached the entrance to the travel agents, three men burst out of the business shooting PC Beshenivsky at close range, PC Milburn was also shot.

PC Beshenivsky died from a gunshot wound to the chest, PC Milburn was taken to hospital where she later recovered from her injuries.

A manhunt for the suspects was launched, which led to the arrest and conviction of six people.

“The final suspect and mastermind of the robbery, Piran Ditta Khan, fled the country to Pakistan,” said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

“An extradition request was made shortly afterwards by the CPS’s International team. He remained at large until he was tracked down by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistani law enforcement and arrested in January 2020.

“Despite there not being an extradition treaty with Pakistan, the CPS, working closely with the National Crime Agency, the CPS Liaison Prosecutor in Pakistan, and the Pakistani authorities, were able to secure the approval of Khan’s removal in March 2023.”

Khan was extradited to the UK on April 12, 2023, where officers from West Yorkshire Police arrested him, and he was formally charged with murder, firearms offences and robbery.

David Holderness, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Our thoughts are of PC Sharon Beshenivsky who was murdered in the line of duty, and with her loved ones whose lives were forever changed by the actions of Piran Ditta Khan and others on that fatal day.

“Piran Ditta Khan was the architect of the operation and meticulously planned the robbery that was to be carried out using firearms which, if they thought necessary, could be used to kill.

“Despite not firing the fatal shot, he is as guilty of Sharon’s murder as the man who pulled the trigger.

“This was a complex investigation and prosecution, spanning 18 years and requiring multiple agencies to work closely together.

“I would like to thank West Yorkshire Police, the NCA, the Pakistani authorities, and colleagues in our International Unit who helped extradite Khan so we could deliver justice for Sharon and her family.”

Speaking outside court following the verdict, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes of West Yorkshire Police said: “Today as always, our thoughts remain with PC Sharon Beshenivsky and her family, Sharon went to work to protect the public, she responded to a call for help alongside her colleague Teresa but tragically never came home.

“This verdict today is the culmination of 18 years of hard work, tenacious grit and determination to bring Khan before the courts.

“Throughout this investigation we left no stone unturned and after several trials and convictions the final suspect khan has been found guilty of these heinous crimes.

“This has been a complex case with many hurdles along the way but throughout all the challenges we never gave up.

“This truly was a team effort, and we would not be here today without the help from the National Crime Agency, the CPS, the Home office, The Pakistani Authorities and other forces who have helped over the years in this investigation.

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Sharon’s family, to Teresa, and all who were affected by the events of that day.

“Today marks the end of the trial and of an ordeal which began some 18 years ago I would like to praise Sharon’s family for their bravery throughout. We will always remember the ultimate sacrifice made by PC Sharon Beshenivsky in the line of duty.”

Tom Dowdall, Deputy Director International at the NCA, added: “NCA officers, both here in the UK and across the world, worked tirelessly alongside West Yorkshire Police, the CPS and our law enforcement partners in Pakistan to identify Khan’s location, culminating in his arrest in 2020 and extradition last year.

“This verdict would not have been possible without the dedicated work of our partners in Pakistan.

“This was a complex and devastating case, and today our thoughts are with Sharon’s family and Teresa, who have shown immense strength over 18 years.

“Piran Ditta Khan not only masterminded a robbery that led to the tragic murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky and attack on PC Teresa Milburn, but he then fled the country to avoid the consequences of his actions.

“Anyone who leaves the UK to avoid facing justice for crimes they have committed should know that we will leave no stone unturned to locate you, bring you back to the UK and put you before the courts.”

Craig Nicholls, chair of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “Today, justice has been served as Piran Ditta Khan has been found guilty of the heinous murder of our colleague PC Sharon Beshenivsky. The court has rightfully acknowledged the severity of Khan’s actions.

“Sharon made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, serving her community with bravery and dedication. Her loss has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues. The impact of her absence reverberates not only within her immediate circle but also across the wider law enforcement community.

“The conviction of Khan serves as a bittersweet moment for Sharon’s loved ones. While it brings a measure of closure and accountability, it does not erase the pain of her absence or fully heal the wounds inflicted by this senseless act of violence.

“Sharon’s family and friends continue to mourn her loss and cherish her memory. Their resilience in the face of tragedy serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the dedicated members of West Yorkshire Police, and all the law enforcement agencies who have tirelessly worked over the years to track down, find, and extradite Khan to the UK to face the British justice system.

“Their unwavering commitment, perseverance, and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that those responsible for Sharon’s tragic death are held accountable for their actions.

“The resolve and determination exhibited by these individuals underscore their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I welcome today’s verdict and that Khan has finally been brought to justice for the terrible events in Bradford on November 18, 2005.

“West Yorkshire Police should be commended for their tireless work in achieving today’s outcome, along with support from the NCA, the Pakistani Authorities, the CPS, and others.

“Ultimately my thoughts remain with Sharon’s family, friends and colleagues and I hope that these convictions bring some comfort.”