Conviction in Perverting Justice Case
Naheed Ejaz, 61, a former Labour mayor of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, stands convicted of perverting the course of justice. She blocked police from entering her home for over 90 seconds, allowing her son, Diwan Khan, 41, time to hide his phone. Authorities believe the device contained a video of Khan sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
The incident unfolded on September 12, 2024, when officers arrived at the shared residence in Bracknell. Ejaz and Khan communicated in Urdu to avoid detection, referring to the phone as the ‘big bell’ on police body-worn camera footage. Khan later admitted to perverting justice by concealing the phone, describing his actions as those of an ‘a******’.
The Rape Allegations
Khan raped the teenager after spiking her vodka with MDMA, causing her to black out. She awoke naked in the backseat of his car, unable to recall events. Khan then showed her the filmed assault, which included choking and slapping, and sent her the video. He threatened to share it with her mother or ‘slit her throat’ if she spoke out.
The six-day trial at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire resulted in guilty verdicts for both. The phone was never recovered.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutor Ed Wylde argued that Ejaz’s ‘mother’s love’ clouded her judgment, leading her to conceal the evidence. He noted her status as a public figure and Khan’s residence at home despite his age heightened her concerns. Wylde highlighted their Urdu exchange: Khan said ‘the other big bell,’ and Ejaz replied, ‘keep silent, I know,’ indicating a plan to withhold the phone.
Defense lawyer Clare Evans for Ejaz claimed she delayed opening the door to wake her son and cooperated by searching for the phone, paying ‘lip service’ to his agitated demands. For Khan, Nadia Chbat asserted the victim lied about her age, claiming to be 22 and in a relationship with him.
Judge Rufus Taylor revealed police seized 26 SIM cards from the home, and Ejaz listed 12 contacts for Khan, none matching his iPhone 14.
Background on Ejaz and Khan
Ejaz served as Mayor of Bracknell Forest from 2023 to 2024, with Khan acting as her Consort at events. She raised daughters and two sons while running a taxi business aiding those with special needs. Khan joined as a chauffeur during Covid. The offense occurred shortly after her mayoral term ended.
Sentencing for both is scheduled for a later date.
