**Businessman Fined Over Littering Charge Despite Insisting on Innocence Amid ‘Mistaken Identity’**
A businessman from Crumpsall has found himself at the centre of a legal and administrative ordeal after he was fined for allegedly dropping a cigarette on a Manchester street – an act he adamantly denies committing, and claims was caused by a case of mistaken identity.
Abrar Ahmed, a father and manager within the food manufacturing sector, was taken by surprise when Manchester City Council informed him by post that he owed £433 for littering on Devonshire Square, Ancoats. The fine alleged that Ahmed had discarded a cigarette butt, despite him maintaining that not only is he not responsible, but he also does not smoke. His shock quickly turned to frustration as he set out to challenge the penalty.
The situation soon became more complicated. Upon Ahmed’s request for evidence – specifically, body-worn footage from the enforcement officer involved – it emerged that the person filmed dropping the cigarette was, in fact, a different individual. Crucially, the person caught on camera intercepted by council officials claimed to be ‘Abrar Ahmed,’ provided the same date of birth, but listed an address in Bury. He identified himself as a taxi driver, had just exited an Uber, and conversed fluently in English with the officers. Meanwhile, Ahmed, who struggles with English, was not in the area at the time.
Despite this vital evidence, the legal process lingered on. When the matter reached Tameside Magistrates Court, proceedings were adjourned due to the lack of an appropriate interpreter, adding fresh stress for Ahmed and his family, who have already endured significant hardship following the passing of Ahmed’s elder brother to cancer in December.
Speaking on Ahmed’s behalf, his brother-in-law, Zahor Hussain, expressed the family’s frustration and distress. “This is not something he needs – he’s at the end of his tether. Someone who is not a criminal now has to defend themselves in court. They are chasing the wrong person,” said Hussain, noting that the family has provided the investigations team with side-by-side images of his brother-in-law and the actual suspect to highlight the disparity.
The administrative delay and prolonged uncertainty have affected Ahmed’s wellbeing. “We feel like we have gone to hell and back. We shouldn’t have to do this,” Hussain added, referencing the anxiety and mental anguish suffered due to what they consider a wrongful charge.
Council officials have since responded to the evidence, stating that they are aware of the mistaken identity, and have reopened the case in order to withdraw the fine through the courts at the next scheduled hearing in June. A spokesperson for Manchester City Council publicly apologised, stating, “Mr Ahmed has since provided evidence that he was not at fault and our investigation officers have reopened the case to withdraw the fine as soon as possible through the courts. We sincerely apologise to Mr Ahmed and his family for the distress caused by this incident, and investigations are ongoing to locate the real suspect.”
Despite these assurances, the family complains that they have been repeatedly passed from one authority to another, struggling to resolve the matter, and have yet to see a final resolution.
This incident has sparked concerns regarding the vulnerability of individuals to cases of mistaken identity, particularly those who face language barriers when interacting with official bodies. It also highlights the importance of robust verification procedures when personal details are provided to enforcement authorities.
As the case heads for its June hearing, Mr Ahmed and his family hope that the justice system will acknowledge the error and finally clear his name, bringing an end to what has been a distressing chapter and serving as a cautionary tale to others who may find themselves in similar situations. Manchester City Council say they are continuing their investigation to track down the actual perpetrator, while Uber has been approached for further comment.