Four jailed for life over family feud machete murder in Blackburn

Four men have been jailed for life for the murder of a father who they subjected to a “vicious, terrifying and sustained attack” with a machete.

Father-of-four Sajed Choudry, 42, sustained horrific injuries, including slash wounds to his ears and his skull being hacked open, when he was attacked near his home in Blackburn, Lancashire.

The attack happened on 27 November last year and had been fuelled by a feud between two families.

Judge Mr Justice Dove sentenced Sadaqat Ali, 36, his brother Rafaqat Ali, 38, their father-in-law Fazal Ilahi, 63, and another man, Syed Ali Akbar, 45, to life terms at Preston Crown Court.

He said: “Anyone who has observed the evidence in this trial as it has unfolded will have been astonished and horrified to learn how a respectable family, leading a constructive and responsible life in the community, allowed itself to so rapidly descend into callous violence and murder, killing one of their neighbours and seriously injuring his son.”

The family had been involved in a feud with Mr Choudry’s family since May 2018, the eight-week trial heard.

On the evening of the attack, Sadaqat Ali had initially armed himself with a machete and tried to confront Mr Choudry’s son, Ahsan, 24, the court heard.

He then went to Ilahi’s home, where the men armed themselves with an axe and sticks.

Rafaqat Ali, Akbar and a boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, also joined them for a confrontation with the Choudrys.

Mr Justice Dove said: “Sajed Choudry and Ahsan Choudry were completely outnumbered by Ali’s group and they were subjected to a vicious, terrifying and sustained attack.

“Sajed Choudry was slashed and chopped by the machete.”

Ahsan Choudry tried to escape but was chased and suffered an “appalling injury” to his hand as he tried to fend off the knife.

The judge told the defendants: “By your actions you have left a void in this family which will never be filled.”

Sadaqat Ali, who was found guilty of murder and attempted murder, was sentenced to a minimum of 32 years.

The judge said he played the leading role in the attack, which was “undoubtedly planned”.

Guy Gozem QC, defending, said: “Before this night Sadaqat Ali was regarded as a friendly, hard-working, considerate, caring, good-natured, calm and reliable individual.

“Something happened that changed all of that and his previous life and good character.”

Rafaqat Ali, Ilahi and Akbar were found guilty of murder and wounding with intent.

Rafaqat Ali was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years and Ilahi and Akbar were jailed for a minimum term of 20 years.

The youth, who was convicted of manslaughter and wounding, will be sentenced next month.

Saira Ali, 35, and Asma Ali, 34, the wives of Sadaqat and Rafaqat, were earlier cleared of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

In a statement released after the sentencing, Mr Choudry’s family said: “Sajed was the heart of our family and was loved dearly and well respected.

“We have been left heartbroken and absolutely devastated by his passing, as have the many people whose lives he touched.”

Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Stables, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We welcome the lengthy prison sentences handed out today which reflect the serious nature of the incident which has ultimately destroyed the lives of everyone involved and had a huge impact on the local community.

“It is clear that taking to the streets with weapons of any kind to settle disputes can have devastating consequences for everyone.”

(c) Sky News 2019: Four jailed for life over family feud machete murder in Blackburn