A debt-ridden millionaire businessman who threatened to “gang rape and set alight” a Virgin Atlantic stewardess during a champagne-fuelled rampage has been sentenced to 15 months in prison. Salman Iftikhar, 37, unleashed a torrent of vile abuse at cabin crew member Angie Walsh during an eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, Pakistan, on 7 February 2023.
The father-of-three, who maintains homes in both the UK and Pakistan with two separate wives, was finally jailed at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment. Judge Sarah Paneth described his criminal record as “lengthy and appalling” whilst sentencing the recruitment boss.
Disturbing footage captured by a fellow passenger shows Iftikhar repeatedly accusing Ms Walsh of racism, shouting: “You called me a P**i in front of everybody.” The businessman was travelling first class with his wife Erum Salman, 38, and their three children when he erupted into the shocking tirade.
Champagne-Fuelled Terror at 39,000 Feet
Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia told the court that Iftikhar had been drinking champagne at the onboard bar when the incident began. “During the defendant’s first meal service, the defendant was seen helping himself to ice, leaning over the bar he was drinking at, and taking ice with his hands,” Mr Kapadia explained.
When told to stop, Iftikhar became irate and started filming cabin crew with his mobile phone, telling them: “Do not tell me what to do you b***h.”
The situation escalated rapidly as Iftikhar continued his racist abuse. “Don’t tell me what to do you racist fing bh. I know where you are from in Cardiff,” he shouted at Ms Walsh.
His behaviour became so extreme that cabin crew considered diverting the flight to Turkey. When informed of this possibility, Iftikhar responded: “I don’t care. F**k it, go to Turkey. I have contacts.”
Death Threats and Sexual Violence
The court heard how Iftikhar’s threats became increasingly violent and specific. He told Ms Walsh she would be “dragged by your hair from your room and gang raped and set on fire” at the Avari Lahore Hotel where crew members were scheduled to stay.
The defendant knew the specific hotel, but also the hotel room numbers, and threatened the cabin crew with this,” Mr Kapadia told the court. Iftikhar also threatened to “blow up the floor” of the five-star hotel.
During the eight-hour ordeal, Iftikhar grabbed Ms Walsh’s hand and squeezed it whilst calling her a “fing white Welsh ct.” He shouted: “The white sheep shging bh will be dead. The floor of your hotel will disappear.”
His wife attempted to intervene, but Iftikhar pushed her away when she tried to speak with staff. His three young children were crying and pleading for him to stop throughout the incident.
Luxury Lifestyle and Failed Business Empire
It has emerged that Iftikhar had been living a flashy lifestyle despite his businesses facing severe financial difficulties. He resides in a £900,000 six-bedroom detached property in Iver, Buckinghamshire, complete with electric gates and an intercom system.
His driveway showcases a collection of luxury vehicles including a Range Rover, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. Social media photos show him posing proudly in front of a royal blue Rolls-Royce with white leather interior.
A neighbour, who requested anonymity, told reporters: “He’s definitely very flash, someone who likes to flaunt his wealth. How he made his money is beyond me, he ran a recruitment consultancy but I didn’t really tend to see him leave for work.”
The neighbour added that Iftikhar would often return home at night “revving the engine of his car and blaring music” after going out.
Two Wives, Two Lives
In the UK, Iftikhar lives with wife Erum Salman, with whom he runs a training company called Staffing Match. However, neighbours reported the couple had a “rocky marriage and would argue quite a bit,” with police being called on at least one occasion.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, Iftikhar has been married for five years to supermodel and actress Abeer Rizvi, who won Veet Miss Supermodel of the Year in 2012. Rizvi, who boasts more than half a million followers on TikTok, has shared loved-up videos of the couple attending film premieres and enjoying luxury holidays on yachts.
On Iftikhar’s birthday earlier this year, Rizvi penned on Instagram: “My beloved husband, on this day I want to honour you and your unique ways.”
Business Collapse and Mounting Debts
Despite his outward displays of wealth, Iftikhar’s aviation recruitment business, Core Labour Supply Limited (CLSL), collapsed into administration owing more than £11 million to HMRC and £6.885 million to HSBC.
The company had experienced rapid growth, reporting a turnover of almost £90 million in 2022. This success allowed Iftikhar to pay himself dividends of nearly £1 million annually between 2018 and 2021.
However, the business was severely impacted by Covid-19, and two major customers accounting for 35% of revenue departed. Unable to meet repayment terms with HMRC, the company was forced into administration.
Veteran Stewardess Left “Broken”
In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, Ms Walsh, who has worked for Virgin Atlantic for 37 years, described how the incident had devastated her life.
“I can’t quite believe that one passenger has had this much of an impact on my job, my career and my life,” she said. “I am a strong brave, happy stewardess, and loved my job. I am well known within the company.”
Ms Walsh, who attended court in her Virgin Atlantic uniform alongside her sister Claire, also a flight attendant, revealed she had taken 14 months off work following the attack.
“I have been flying with Virgin Atlantic for 37 years. I was working when all flights were grounded on 9/11, and I’ve even flown into a warzone. But this incident has broken me,” she stated.
She described a moment during the flight when she “went into the cockpit and had a meltdown,” telling the captain: “I don’t know what to do.”
“I was traumatised by the threat of being gang raped. Never in my entire career flying for 37 years have I not been sure what to do,” Ms Walsh said. “I have had the best career in the world for 37 years. But he has taken that away from me.”
Criminal History and Sentencing
The court heard that Iftikhar has six previous convictions arising from 15 offences, including common assault in 2004 and drink driving in 2008. He was fined £3,000 in 2021 after being caught drink driving whilst under the influence of cannabis in his Rolls-Royce.
Despite the severity of the incident, no action was taken against Iftikhar when the plane landed in Pakistan. He was only arrested at his Buckinghamshire home on 16 March 2024, more than a year after the attack.
Iftikhar, who appeared in the dock wearing a grey suit with a pink shirt and yellow tie, wept as he was sentenced. He was cleared of assault by beating and threats to kill in relation to another flight attendant, Tommy Merchant.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson commented: “The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to any disruptive or abusive behaviour on board our aircraft.”
The airline praised Ms Walsh’s bravery, stating: “We’re incredibly grateful to Angie and our cabin crew onboard who dealt with this distressing situation in a calm, courageous and professional manner. We are proud of Angie for her bravery in court and we will continue to offer her our full support.”
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
