Adeel Safdar sentenced to four years in prison in Hamilton’s longest domestic violence trial

A judge sentenced a once-respected McMaster University scientist to four years in prison Friday, marking an end to Hamilton's longest-running domestic violence case.

Adeel Safdar, 41, was found guilty in June 2021 of aggravated assault for breaking his then-wife's jaw in two places and permanently disfiguring her ear. His mother and younger brother were found not guilty of related charges, including numerous assault charges.

Safdar's ex-wife, physician Dr. Sara Salim, testified she was tortured, abused and imprisoned while living with her husband and his family in their Binbrook home. The Safdars said Salim was mentally ill and caused injuries to herself, including a broken jaw - something an expert witness testified was not possible.

The case took more than six years from beginning to end, partly due to an unexpected ruling from Justice Andrew Goodman on Dec. 3, 2018. That day, the judge was expected to deliver his verdict but instead, he stayed the charges, saying the 14-month trial had exceeded the legal length of time to resolve a matter. Still, he made a decision and sealed it, having expected the stay to be appealed. He finally read it out in June.

On Friday, Safdar sat in the prisoner's box at a Hamilton courtroom looking straight ahead as Goodman read out his sentencing decision.

This is perhaps one of the longest cases in duration in Hamilton," Goodman said, calling the length of time astounding."

Goodman said he wanted to sentence Safdar to five years in prison for the egregious assault" on Salim, but needed to consider other factors - including the length of the case, loss of custody of his young daughter, financial problems including being more than $800,000 in debt, and numerous job losses.

The judge referenced media coverage of the case by The Spectator's Susan Clairmont.

I accept that but for the media coverage, some of the impetus for the alleged academic misconduct and loss of employment may not have come under scrutiny," the judge said, referring to allegations of academic fraud involving Safdar, set to be dealt with next month.

I do accept that his career is destroyed," Goodman said. Court heard that Safdar is now working in the service industry. From an esteemed scientist ... and without sounding disparaging - to now working at Popeyes and delivering food."

Goodman also took into consideration a statement made by Safdar in court Friday prior to sentencing.

I, of course, do not agree with your honour's judgment, however, I do respect your honour," Safdar told the court, standing with his hands resting against the ledge of the prisoner's box. He referenced his Muslim faith saying: This is only for the believer: whenever anything good happens to him, he is graceful and he is grateful ... and whenever anything bad happens, he shows patience, as much as possible."

In his sentencing decision, Goodman said while it was Safdar's right to disagree with him, it was clear the accused has no real insight into his conduct."

The crown had asked for five years in prison. Defence asked for two.

The hearing took place in a physical courtroom and was streamed virtually. Salim was on the virtual hearing.

Safdar's brother was his only family in court. Safdar looked at his brother briefly before he was taken into custody.

The Safdar case had also been heard in family court. The family court judge - who based her ruling on a balance of probabilities, not a reasonable doubt, as is the burden of proof in criminal court - believed Sara was abused by the Safdars. She also believed Safdar would flee with the child and ordered police to seize her while Adeel was in court. In February 2019, the judge granted Salim full custody.

The mother and daughter now live in New York state.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com