02/11/2009

Seven Convicted Of Manchester Killings

Seven men have been jailed for their part in an attack on a man who was lured to his death in Rusholme, south Manchester.

Mohamed Kaleem Rafeek, known as Kaleem, was found by police with multiple stab wounds on 29 March, following reports of a disturbance at Birchfields Road.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shah Mohammed Sykendar Ali, 26, of Raincliff Avenue in Longsight, pleaded guilty to murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at an earlier hearing.

He was sentenced to life and ordered to serve a minimum of 17-and-a-half years in prison.

Shah Mohammed Gozombor Ali, 23, of the same address, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Shah Sultan Ali, 29, also of Raincliff Avenue, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years.

Umair Sajjad, 19, of Penruddock Walk, Longsight, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 18 months.

Raphale Mondale Evans, 19, of Clarence Road, Longsight, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 18 months.

Yousaf Zarif Ilyas, 19, of Belvoir Avenue, Levenshulme, Longsight, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 18 months.

Waqas Ahmed, 24, of Oadby Close, Belle Vue, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 12 months.

Another man, 22, was found with multiple stab wounds in the attack which killed Mr Rafeek, and taken to hospital.

Both men were lured to Birchfields Road after agreeing to try to resolve an earlier dispute.

The court heard it was a pre-mediated, savage and callous attack on two men who were unarmed and outnumbered.

Detective Superintendent Julian Ross said: "Kaleem and his friend met with some of the defendants in good faith and in an attempt to resolve an earlier dispute, unaware that all along the plan was to get them to an isolated area so they could be attacked.

"The ferocity of the attack levelled at the victims, especially by Sykendar Ali, was frenzied and sustained.

"Kaleem was an intelligent, industrious and loving family man who was working several jobs to get himself through college.

"His family are still struggling to come to terms, not only with his death, but the manner in which he was killed. I hope this sentences will help them in some small way move on from this tragedy."

(PR/KMcA)

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