A gang of thugs who beat a father to death with hockey sticks and baseball bats in broad daylight have been jailed. Shamus Hussain, 39, was savagely assaulted and stabbed twice in a park in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, on the evening of July 12 last year following an argument.
Harrowing CCTV footage captures a group of armed men running towards Mr Hussain before carrying out their sickening attack. The men were then caught on camera fleeing the scene, leaving Mr Hussain to die.
Another video then showed the men jumping out of a black vehicle before disposing of their weapons - with one of the attackers tossing his hockey stick into a back garden. Leeds Crown Court heard that paramedics and an air ambulance scrambled to Crow Nest Park but despite their efforts Mr Hussain was pronounced dead a short time later.
Convictions and Sentences
In February, Saqlain Ali, 22, Basit Ali, 32, Sakeb Ali Khan, 33, and Zeeshan Khan, 19, were all found guilty of murder following an extensive trial which lasted more than six weeks at Leeds Crown Court. Two other men, Asim Akram, 21, and Faizaan Akram, 19, were found guilty of manslaughter.
Yesterday the six men were jailed for a combined total of over 75 years. The court heard that a verbal argument took place between Mr Hussain, Basit Ali, Sakeb Ali Khan, Zeeshan Khan and another man on Pilgrim Drive. The victim was then followed into Crow Nest Park where he was attacked.
Evidence and Investigation
Following the attack, CCTV footage shows a number of the thugs holding weapons before disposing of them upon returning home. Zubair Khan can be seen launching a hockey stick into his next-door neighbour's garden. Officers from West Yorkshire Police later launched an extensive investigation and pieced together CCTV footage from the surrounding area to establish Mr Hussain's final movements and those of his attackers.
Family Tribute
Paying tribute to Shamus, his family says they have been left 'heartbroken' by his passing. They said: 'He was a much-loved son, father and brother, whose kindness, warmth and presence meant so much to those around him. His family, friends and all who knew him will feel his loss deeply and he is missed every day.'
Police Statement
Speaking after today's sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, senior investigating officer, said: 'Last summer, Shamus Hussain was assaulted in a Dewsbury park in broad daylight. The attack was both violent and entirely senseless, leaving him with injuries from which he tragically died. Our thoughts remain with Shamus' loved ones who had to endure a lengthy trial before seeing his killers brought to justice. Nothing can undo the loss they have suffered, but I hope today's sentences will bring them some comfort.'
Following the verdict, the detective added: 'Shamus Hussain was attacked in broad daylight in a public park in Dewsbury on a summer's evening last year. It was a brutal and needless act of violence that resulted in him suffering injuries that, tragically, he did not survive. From the moment we launched a murder investigation, my team of officers worked tirelessly in a fast-paced environment and very trying circumstances. I'm pleased that following a diligent and thorough enquiry we were able to gather the evidence needed to secure convictions against the men responsible for Shamus' death. These convictions will not bring Shamus back, but I hope it serves as some comfort to his friends and family. Our thoughts remain with them today.'
Sentences Handed Down
- Saqlain Ali, of Pilgrim Drive, Dewsbury, found guilty of murder, sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years, 56 days.
- Basit Ali, of Pilgrim Drive, Dewsbury, found guilty of murder, sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years, 56 days.
- Sakeb Ali Khan, of Pilgrim Drive, Dewsbury, found guilty of murder, sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years, 56 days.
- Zeeshan Khan, of Pilgrim Crescent, Dewsbury, found guilty of murder, sentenced to life with a minimum of ten years and 64 days.
- Asim Akram, of Pilgrim Crescent, Dewsbury, found guilty of manslaughter, sentenced to seven years.
- Faizaan Akram, of Pilgrim Crescent, Dewsbury, found guilty of manslaughter, sentenced to seven years.
