Sharon Beshenivsky murder accused admits robbery

Jan 14 2009 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE man accused of murdering Bradford policewoman Sharon Beshenivsky has admitted robbing a travel agency on the day she died.

Mustaf Jama, 28, who faces trial at Newcastle Crown Court, still denies murder and possessing firearms and prohibited weapons.

Before the trial started he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on November 18, 2005.

The charges relate to the shooting of Pc Beshenivsky, 38, and the wounding of Pc Teresa Milburn, of Birstall, during a robbery at the Universal Travel Agents on Morley Street in the city centre.

Prosecutor Robert Smith QC said November 18, 2005 was an ordinary working day for the two policewomen.

He added: “Before the end of the their tour of duty one would be dead and the other seriously injured.’’

He said that at 3.30pm, just before their shift was about to end, they answered an alarm call.

Mr Smith went on: “Within minutes both of them had been shot.