Mohammad Shafiqul Alom sentenced to life for murder of Akbar Masood

Mohammad Shafiqul Alom

Mohammad Shafiqul Alom (16/12/1981), of Kellett Street, Rochdale, has been jailed for life, with a minimum of 18 years, for stabbing Akbar Masood to death.

Alom was found guilty at Bolton Crown Court of murder, section 20 wounding (grievous bodily harm) and possession of a class B drug.

The court heard shortly after 3.50am on Friday 4 November 2016, a group of men were watching a film at Alom’s house when an argument broke out.

The argument escalated and Alom grabbed a large kitchen knife and began swinging it around.

One man suffered a stab wound on his hip before fleeing the house with the rest of the group.

However, Alom stabbed Akbar in the abdomen before he could escape.

When officers attended, they discovered the 22-year-old unconscious with a serious stab wound and began administering CPR.

Akbar was taken to hospital where he died a short time later.

Paying tribute to Akbar, his family said: “We are very sad and broken at the circumstances of how we lost Akbar.

“Akbar was a very approachable, helpful and lovable young man who touched the hearts of whoever he came into contact with, in a way that makes him unforgettable.

“The lives of his friends and family can never be the same again.”

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe, of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said: “This began as a trivial argument between friends who were socialising on a Friday night, but it took a turn for the worse when Alom suddenly grabbed that knife.

“This was no accident - it was a senseless murder. I’m glad this dangerous man is now off the streets of Greater Manchester.

“I hope today’s result has brought justice to Akbar’s loved ones and I hope it provides reassurance to the community to know that this man is behind bars.”