Woman Denies Murder, Claims She Was Smoking Crack During Fatal Stabbing
A mother accused of murder has told Liverpool Crown Court she was smoking crack cocaine in a car outside while a man was fatally stabbed in a nearby flat. Sarah Kasseum, 41, gave emotional testimony on Thursday afternoon, denying any involvement in the killing of 47-year-old Paul Foster.
Details of the Alleged Drug Robbery
Paul Foster died after sustaining a single stab wound to the back on Muirhead Avenue in West Derby, Liverpool, on October 15, 2024. The attack occurred during an alleged robbery where assailants, reportedly armed with a knife and an imitation firearm, stole drugs and cash before fleeing the scene.
Five defendants are currently standing trial for murder: Elsadig Abrahim, 61; Zayd Alasaly, 23; Dylan Blundell, 26; Michael Fields, 50; and Sarah Kasseum, 41. All deny murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Abrahim, Alasaly, and Kasseum have additionally pleaded not guilty to robbery and carrying an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence.
Blundell and Fields have admitted to these two counts, with Fields also pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Kasseum's Testimony and Defence
Questioned by her barrister Peter Finnigan KC, Kasseum described being a long-term crack cocaine user who dealt drugs to support her addiction. She recalled being at the home of Tony Conroy on St Mary's Close in Wavertree before the incident, smoking crack with others present.
"I was having a pipe in the living room. I think Ziggy [Abrahim] and Dylan were in the living room with me. Zayd, Mick and Tony were in the kitchen talking. We had our pipe and then we got off," she told the court.
When asked how much crack she had consumed that day, Kasseum responded, "I couldn't tell you, a lot." She added that the drug kept her awake but insisted she was aware of her surroundings.
Kasseum denied any intention for Foster to be killed or seriously hurt, maintaining she had no knowledge others were carrying weapons or planning a robbery. She also described how Blundell later told her he witnessed Fields "passing a knife" to Alasaly, who allegedly "gave a smack" to Foster.
Prosecution's Case and Allegations
Prosecutor David McLachlan KC outlined the prosecution's case, alleging the group drove to Muirhead Avenue in Fields' black Kia Ceed car shortly after 1:30 am with the intent to rob Foster of money and drugs—a practice known as "taxing."
"They were not going to Muirhead Avenue for a little drive on a Tuesday morning in the early hours. The prosecution say that they were in the car for a purpose, and it was not a good purpose," McLachlan stated.
He claimed Kasseum was "deployed to gain entry" to the property by posing as a drug buyer, using her familiarity with Foster to facilitate access. Lyndzi McCowan, who lived at the address, buzzed her in but later encountered three males in black running at her, causing her to flee back inside.
The men were heard shouting "where is he?", "where's the bits?" and "where's the money?" while carrying what appeared to be a gun. During the confrontation, Foster was fatally stabbed.
"It is the prosecution case that Paul Foster's death was a direct consequence of a drug taxing where he was living and dealing drugs," McLachlan said. "The prosecution case is that all five defendants went to 40A Muirhead Avenue to rob Paul Foster of his drugs and money. They went mob handed. They were armed with a knife and an imitation firearm."
Ongoing Trial and Legal Proceedings
The trial, presided over by Judge Simon Medland KC, continues with a jury of six men and six women. Kasseum's testimony highlighted her claimed absence from the flat during the stabbing, emphasizing her drug use as a factor in her whereabouts and awareness.
As the case unfolds, the court will weigh evidence against all defendants, focusing on their alleged roles in the robbery and murder. The outcome hinges on establishing common purpose and intent among the accused.
