'Honour killing' victim's sister arrested over robbery

The sister of a suspected honour killing victim appeared in court today charged with robbing cash and gold jewellery worth £33,000 from her mother and father.

Alisha Ahmed, 22, appeared at Halton Magistrates' Court charged with robbery at her family home in Liverpool Road, Warrington, on August 25.

Three men broke into the Ahmed's house and tied up mother, Farzana and four of her children.

Alisha Ahmed is charged with the robbery of Farzana, Junyad, Mevish and Saima Ahmed.

The thieves ransacked the property before fleeing with cash and jewellery.

Ahmed, dressed in a black skirt and blouse, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth.

District Judge Bridget Knight ordered that the defendant's current address not be reported.

Ahmed was granted bail and the case will now be sent to Warrington Crown Court on February 11.

Alisha Ahmed is the sister of Shafilea Ahmed.

Shafilea's decomposed remains were discovered in Cumbria in February 2004.

South Cumbria coroner Ian Smith later recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, saying he believed that the teenager was probably murdered.

Taxi driver Iftikhar Ahmed and his wife were arrested and questioned by police investigating their daughter's death before the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence.

The couple have always vigorously denied any involvement in Shafilea's death.

They were re-arrested following the robbery at their home and are on police bail.