Husband Jailed for 30 Years After Leaving Wife in Permanent Coma

​A Birmingham man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the attempted murder of his wife, an attack that left the young mother with permanent, life-altering brain injuries.

​Amir Khan, 26, of Villa Road, Lozells, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on July 7 following his conviction in May. Khan will serve a 30-year custodial sentence with an additional six years on an extended licence.

​The court heard that on November 1 of last year, Khan attacked his wife, Madia Bano, stabbing her in the back of the head with a sharp object, believed to be a screwdriver. Following the assault, Khan called emergency services, attempting to claim that the mother of his four children had simply fallen.

​Paramedics and police at the scene quickly grew suspicious, noting that the severity of the injuries could not have been accidental. The weapon used in the attack was never recovered.

​Ms. Bano has remained in a condition described as “locked-in plus syndrome” ever since, rendering her unable to communicate and reliant on round-the-clock medical intervention to stay alive. Judge Dean Kershaw remarked during sentencing that her condition is “as close to death as can possibly be”.

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​Throughout the legal proceedings, Khan refused to provide evidence and offered only a “wholly dishonest account” to probation officers. He has never admitted to the attack, leaving the victim’s family and their four children without answers regarding the events of that night.

​Detective Chief Inspector Laura Allen of West Midlands Police described the incident as a “horrendous attack”. “This was a horrific attack which left a young woman with permanently life-changing injuries which not only ruined her life, but also those of her family and friends,” she said.

​Judge Kershaw emphasized the necessity of a significant sentence, noting that Khan should not be released unless authorities are completely satisfied it is safe to do so, citing his continued refusal to accept responsibility as a primary concern.