Driving instructor denies charge of coercing wife

A DRIVING instructor has strongly denied a charge of coercive behaviour against his wife, whom he was said to have wed in an arranged marriage.

David Jones, solicitor for Tanveer Ghani, 57, of Caergeiliog, Anglesey, said: “He’s devastated she’s made these allegations.”

Sarah Marsh, prosecuting at a special weekend court at Llandudno, said the couple were married two years ago in Pakistan. His wife Farzana Kausar, who had not seen him until the wedding, was unable to come to Britain until three months ago but their relationship “dramatically deteriorated.” Among allegations are that he controlled what his wife was eating, kept her in the house, didn’t let her speak to anyone, and enforced a fitness regime.

“She’s extremely scared,” said the prosecutor. She told police she believed she could be “shamed” by her family and be killed if divorced. “She doesn’t speak English and doesn’t know anyone else in this country,” said Miss Marsh.

Mr Jones said Ghani came to this country in 1974. He had a previous partner for 35 years. When they separated he wanted someone to look after him and was told by his sister-in-law “about someone she knew in Pakistan.” He was persuaded to go there, got on with Farzana Kausar and they were married.

“He does not know where the complainant is, she was whisked away that evening. He says he has no intention of finding where she is.”

Referring to remarks about an honour killing, Mr Jones said Ghani could not be responsible for anything allegedly said by his wife’s family and seven brothers. Both prosecution and defence agreed that the case was suitable to be tried by magistrates.

Ghani was given conditional bail to appear in court at Caernarfon later this week for a trial date to be set.