Four men have been jailed for the brutal 'execution' of Mohammed Khan on a Walsall street, a killing a judge described as 'retribution' and 'akin to an execution'. The victim, aged 22, was stabbed, punched, kicked, and stamped on in a prolonged attack that was filmed by the perpetrators.
The Attack
The incident occurred on Bloxwich Road on March 17 last year at around 5pm. Mohammed Khan initially chased Zain Raja with a machete and combat knife, instigating the violence. However, after being disarmed and overpowered, he was subjected to a vicious assault by three brothers and their cousin. Judge Michael Chambers KC said the attack had 'all the hallmarks of a confrontation between rival, warring factions'.
Sentencing
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 30, the following sentences were handed down:
- Asad Iftakhar, 34, of Bloxwich Road, Walsall: life imprisonment with a minimum of 22 years for murder and possession of a knife.
- Hassan Iftakhar, 34, of Bloxwich Road, Walsall: life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years for murder and possession of an axe.
- Zain Raja, 23, of Harden Road, Bloxwich: life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years for murder.
- Amaan Khan, 22, of Harden Road, Bloxwich: eight years for manslaughter.
The killers were convicted following a trial earlier this year.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Chambers described footage of the killing as 'sickening' and noted that the perpetrators acted with 'impunity' in a public place. He stated: 'All of them, not a care in the world for those driving and walking by.' The judge emphasised that while Mohammed initiated the violence, nothing justified his murder.
Victim's Injuries
Mohammed sustained four fatal wounds to his neck, back, and side, 16 sharp force injuries, and 10 blunt force injuries. The wound to his neck damaged his jugular vein, and he suffered facial fractures and a traumatic brain injury. He died in hospital hours later.
Police Investigation
Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, who led the investigation, said: 'We are happy with the sentences. They will spend more than 65 years behind bars for their brutal and senseless actions.' He added that the case highlights the devastating impact of knife crime and the dangers of carrying knives.
The killers filmed the attack, and some were seen laughing as the victim's body was removed from the scene. The court heard about the defendants' criminal pasts, with Asad Iftakhar having previous convictions for 27 offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
