A MAN accused of murder has gone on trial almost 20 years after PC Sharon Beshenivsky died when she was shot when responding to an armed robbery in Bradford.

Piran Ditta Khan, 75, of no fixed abode appeared at Leeds Crown Court (LCC) on Monday to face a charge of murder.

Khan, who has a small white moustache, bald head and white hair on the sides and back, appeared in the dock wearing a navy Puma tracksuit jacket, with blue stripes down the side.

The 75-year-old is also on trial for two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon on the day of the alleged murder.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Police at the scene of the incident Police at the scene of the incident

Khan denied those offences at LCC on October 6, 2023 but admitted to stealing cash from a man on the same day PC Beshenivsky died, pleading guilty to robbery at that same hearing.

PC Beshenivsky was aged 38 when she died on November 18, 2005 after responding to an armed robbery with a colleague at Universal Express Travel, in Morley Street, in Bradford's west end.

The court heard on Monday this happened at around 3.30pm that day.

The Honourable Mr Justice Nicholas Hilliard, who is presiding over the trial, said: “This case concerns the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky on November 18, 2005 in a robbery that was carried out at the premises Universal Express Travel, in Morley Street, Bradford at approximately half past three in the afternoon that day.

“PC Sharon Beshenisky was shot while on duty by one of a group of three men as they emerged from the premises of Universal Express Travel after carrying out the robbery during which they had stolen a quantity of cash.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Morley Street was cordoned off after the incidentMorley Street was cordoned off after the incident

PC Beshenivsky was a probation officer who had only worked in the role for nine months.

The 38-year-old was only the second policewoman to be killed on duty in the UK.

A number of legal matters were discussed on Monday, as well as the process of selecting a jury getting underway.

The full opening of the trial was expected to take place at some stage on Tuesday, when the prosecution will outline the case against Khan.