Man Found Guilty Of New Year's Eve Murder

Thursday, 23 June 2016 09:11

A 30-year-old man found guilty of the murder of 41-year-old Zabair Hussain in Darnall, Sheffield, on New Year’s Eve 2015 has been jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years.

Idris Sadiq (pictured) of Darnall Road, Darnall, violently assaulted Mr Hussain in Staniforth Road at around 11.20pm on Thursday 31 December 2015.

Mr Hussain suffered extensive injuries to his head and body, and died a short time later.

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Handley said: “This is a really positive result for our inquiry and I am pleased that a jury has convicted Sadiq of murder based on the overwhelming evidence we were able to put before the court.

“Mr Hussain’s family and friends have had to hear in detail about the horrific injuries inflicted upon their loved one, and have carried themselves with dignity throughout our investigation and the trial process.

“I would once again like to offer them my condolences as they begin to come to terms with the verdict today and what it means for their family.”

As the investigation into Mr Hussain’s death began on 1 January 2016 (New Year’s Day), officers scoured the Staniforth Road area of Darnall – a busy thoroughfare – for clues, including speaking to the local community and trawling CCTV cameras.

The jury heard statements from multiple witnesses who reported seeing a silver/grey Peugeot in the area, which contained a group of men who got out of the car and assault Mr Hussain.

CCTV cameras tracked the movement of the car to the scene and then leaving the area at speed, as short time after Mr Hussain was assaulted.

Other witnesses also confirmed seeing a group of men beating a man with a baseball bat in Staniforth Road.

Sadiq was positively identified by a number of these witnesses following his arrest in early January.

DCI Handley continued: “The court has heard of a second man we are actively seeking in connection with this investigation – 29-year-old Sohail Khan. We understand Mr Khan is currently in Pakistan and we are working hard to identify opportunities to apprehend him and bring him before the courts, which includes the possibility of extradition.

“The court also heard about an as yet unidentified third man we believe played a role in Mr Hussain’s assault and death. We have active lines of enquiry, as well as a number of people who remain on bail in connection with the incident, therefore I am unable to elaborate much further at this time.

“However, I want Mr Hussain’s loved ones and the wider community in Darnall to be reassured that we remain committed to identifying those involved in Mr Hussain’s death and bringing them to justice. The positive result today marks one step forward for our investigation, but our work is not yet done.

“I offer my thanks to the community in Darnall for their support of our investigation, but I reiterate my appeal for information to them again now: if you have any information about those who may have been involved in Mr Hussain’s death, please come forward.

“If you have any information about the car that was used, a silver/grey Peugeot 307 with the registration number MC57 BZP, please tell us. We are yet to locate this car and it may yet hold vital clues for our investigation.

“If you are uncomfortable speaking directly to South Yorkshire Police, you can also ring Crimestoppers to pass information anonymously and in confidence by calling 0800 555 111.”

Three men aged 35, 32 and 31-years-old remain on bail in connection with the investigation.

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